The pillars are located in the hallway right near the front entrance of the school, welcoming the students with colorful greetings every day. I felt honored to be a part of this artistic partnership to brighten the halls of the school and hopefully encourage the young students. I know that I was so grateful to share my skills and to hear how much the students were in awe of the artwork—even the principal and teachers were amazed!
Trustworthiness is the first characteristic and its representing color in the background of each image is blue. The images that the Gordon art students and I painted are simple images symbolizing trustworthiness, such as a loyal dog, a school bus, a parent/child bond, a bridge, and a crosswalk guard, which are more easily understood by the elementary students. It took a great deal of trust on the part of our professor and the principal to allow us to even undergo this partnership! I’m grateful for the relationships that were in place before we got there that allowed for this trust to grow.
Respect is the second characteristic among the 6 pillars. Yellow is its representing color, and the images used to represent the theme are: books along with an apple (which still often represents the respect given to the teacher from a student); two hands shaking which show two different ethnic backgrounds; a serviceman in the US military; a police badge/symbol; and the White House. I could sense the tremendous respect the principal has for her students and all that they and their parents do to give their children a good education.
Responsibility is the third characteristic. Green is its representing color. The images are: a girl reading a book/textbook; playing piano; a man wearing a suit and tie; coins falling into a piggy bank; and a fish being fed. I could tell how much responsibility that the principal and our professor delved into in using art for public service rather than keeping it isolated in the classroom where no one else would have benefited.
The fourth pillar of characteristics is fairness, and its representing color is orange. The following images are: two soccer players from different teams; kids waiting in line; a referee and a whistle; kids sharing pizza; and a balance. Fairness is very important for the students to use as a model because of how diverse they are.
Caring is the fifth characteristic, and red is its representing color. The images used for this characteristic are: hands holding the world; a flower pot pouring water on flowers; a bear’s arm wrapped around a friend’s shoulder; a nurse or doctor with a stethoscope; and two kids under one umbrella. Caring is universal; everyone needs to be nurtured. All those involved with this school have worked hard caring for each other and especially for the future of the students.
The final characteristic is citizenship, and its symbolic color is purple. The images are: a hand over one’s heart (showing pledge of allegiance), kids planting a tree; the Statue of Liberty; hands of different races voting; and of course, the American flag.
Our class was really ecstatic about this experience and were amazed at how much more meaningful it was to use our artistic gifts as a service to the community. We hope that our art pieces will deeply touch Harrington as much as they have touched us.
I was so amazed at how colorful the cafeteria looked! All the bright colors and artwork gives the school a more welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for the students. Several years ago, Gordon students traced some of the children’s figures on the columns in the cafeteria. It got the kids involved, which sounded like a fun activity for the students and made the school look more colorful. The accompanying words of encouragement are equally cheerful and hopefully influential to the students as they eat their meals alongside them every day.
These were some other paintings that Gordon students did years ago in Harrington’s Library. The paintings help categorize the library into different genres.
Now that I have new eyes after having taken Butler’s painting class, I couldn't believe how beautiful this particular painting was. If I were a student at this school, I think I would feel more encouraged to read! I see quite a connection between imagination and creativity which can inspire children to appreciate learning, reading, and the wonders of art.
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