ART AS A FORM OF UNITY

Artwork by Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2 students was on display for the month of February in the Cos Cob Library. An opening reception was held on Feb. 6. The exhibit, “Art as a Form of Unity,” highlights collaborative artwork as expressed through murals. One of the murals is inspired by Romero Britto, a Brazilian artist, who used colorful patterns, shapes, and figures to spread happiness around the world. Kindergarteners created the background, first graders made Britto-style hearts and butterflies, and second graders drew Britto-styled people. The other mural, created by Kindergarten students, is inspired by Leo Lionni’s famous children’s book, Swimmy, and represents the strength of a large school of fish.

Aside from the murals, the art was connected to the LES curriculum. Inspired by their study of the Lenape, indigenous peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands, second graders drew the rainbow crow from a story they had read. After learning how the Lenape used symbols to represent important parts of their lives, students designed personal symbols to incorporate into textiles they created. First graders learned the song “Los Esqueletos” in Music class and they drew skeletons in Art class. Kindergarteners collected pine cones and other textured items at French Farm to create backgrounds for their Little Red Hen collages.

These pieces along with the collaborative murals showcase the importance of interdisciplinary connections for our students. They are also hands-on experiences that challenge them to think critically about their artistic process.”