Now that the first week of school has come and gone, I was able to put up a large display about Art Creation Foundation for Children plus some of the beautiful artwork made by the children there. In this picture, you can see a bus, two hanging ornaments (hummingbird and fish), a bowl and a basket of fruit. The display includes print material from the foundation (posters and pamphlets), black and white photos of the hearts and the "objective" of the project as it relates to my students and how they will be involved. Although for this year, it as a 6th grade level student service learning project (because I teach every 6th grader in the school) I do hope some of my 7th and 8th graders will get the opportunity to pick up a half hour or hour here and there by helping out. Many have already expressed an interest to do so!One of the many unexpected graces I am experiencing by being a part of this effort is the simple fact that I feel encouraged and uplifted every day when I look at the art made my the children in Jacmel. I might not ever get the chance to meet the children who's lives are being changed by Art Creation Foundation in Haiti. Nonetheless, through the visual arts, I am now connected to them! I hope my students will feel the same :-)
(photo: Hearts for Haiti classroom display c) nancyleemitchell, 2009)
