Whittier students reproduce famous artworks
The works of Pablo Picasso are abstract in nature, but just leave it to a student at Wheaton's Whittier Elementary School to draw out the meaning.
The entire school recently completed hand reproductions of some of the most-famous artwork ever created by Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Leonardo DaVinci and others.
The effort was part of a program that has volunteer parents come in and help explain the process of creating art, the history behind it and the cultural enrichment.
Art teacher Carol Fiene said she originally planned to bring in some instructive videos to help teach the history behind the artists and their paintings. Students had a better idea.
"They said, 'No, no, we just want you to talk to us about it,' " Fiene said. "That way they can ask their own questions."
Every student gets involved with the painting for his or her class. Some contribute to a flower, others to a face.
"The kids can tell you what doesn't look right," Fiene said. "And they can definitely tell you what they don't like about it. They're not inhibited. You can say to them draw, and they just do it. It's important to have them not shut down like we all were when we were growing up. They're proud of it."
The canvas reproductions are on display at the school through Friday. Then each one will be matted and framed and auctioned off by the school's PTA.