Life and Hope in First Grade

"In a society increasingly devoid of meaning, hope is a precious commodity. If redemption and hope are deep and genuine, experiences in our own lives, then the hints will be there. We will take them with us where we go - and that includes into our art." - Art & Soul, by Hilary Brand & Adrienne Chaplin

Today, I received art gifts from two students. I felt loved and blessed.  Hand-made art just can't be beat. Elise gave me a beautiful hand-made card and a 3-D heart made out of little plastic bits.  So incredibly sweet!  I wanted to cancel school. Then Eleanor came in with a lovely, cheery, small canvas that was painted with acrylics. I was overwhelmed with their gifts of love. Amazing!

I spoke with Eleanor about her painting after school. She matter-of-factly stated that she always puts something that glows in her work. Either a bright sun or bright stars. That's just the way it needs to be! Her confidence in her position that something bright or glowing is always in her work reminded me of the above quote by Hilary Brand. I told Eleanor that having the sun or stars in her work is so hopeful.

Finally, I made penguins with my first graders today because we have so enjoyed our study of penguins and the reading of Mr. Popper's Penguins this month. So, my art for today will be simple, fresh and alive first grade art. Real life and hope in first grade. The children enjoyed saying, "Gawk,  Gawk!" throughout recess as they pretended to be penguins flapping all over the recess field.

The canvas is by Eleanor and the penguin by me. That's plenty of art for today.