Dearborn Schools Tile Project Makes the News
Sam Algaithi, right, hoists his brother Emrran Algaithi, 16, up to reach the ceramic tile he painted with the word “citizenship.” (Ricardo Thomas / The Detroit News)
–
From the Detroit News:
Dearborn — A year of hard work is finally on display at Howe Elementary School.
About 200 students spent last school year creating self-portraits on ceramic tiles that have been assembled into panels and were recently unveiled in the school on Oakwood near the Southfield Freeway.
“Art always seems to suffer with budget cuts,” said Thomas Trimble, whose daughter, Mary, created a tile. “To see the kids involved in something so art intensive is great.”
Some students created simple images of their faces, while others crafted ones that included a parent, animal or themselves as a tree or sun.
Howe art teacher Kate Blair said she wanted to take on a major project with a cultural component. The school used Mexican artist Demetrio Aguilar to teach the kids how to make the tiles and their portraits. A district staff member knew Aguilar and his work in Mexico and recommended him for the project, Blair said.
Masons, painters and carpenters assembled the tiles in panels grouped by core values such as esteem and citizenship.
Mary Trimble was proud of the job she did with her tile, especially the painting.
“I like the painting part the best,” said Mary, 8. “I like to paint.”
Continue reading the whole article HERE.
Art Encourages Achievement Creativity Needs Emphasis in Public Education
