Fourth graders in art teacher Marnie Hyland’s classes at Pope Farm Elementary School are working with visual artist and graphic designer Poornima Moorthy. The artwork they’re creating – under the theme “The POWER of ART: Creativity, Community, Kindness” – will become part of a permanent display.
“Fourth graders are excited to use the power of art to have a positive impact on all Pope Farmers,” Hyland said. “Since this is a permanent installation, their kind messages will have an impact for years to come.”
Their artwork focuses on how all of us can make a difference in one another’s lives and how art can change the way individuals feel. Hyland got the idea to collaborate with Moorthy after seeing her work on display at the Overture Center in Madison.
“Her work was so playful and positive – very kid-friendly,” Hyland said. “I had been pondering hosting our first artist-in-residence at Pope Farm, and it seemed like a perfect fit.
The residency was funded by Pope Farm’s PTO and Pope Farm’s building fund.
Moorthy uses an iPad and mixed media to create her art, drawing inspiration from her daily life, her family, kindness, love, compassion and emotions.
“The patterns seen in my work are all connections we have to relationships, possessions and the energy that is all around us and within us,” Moorthy said.
Learn more about Moorthy’s work here.
“It is essential for students to understand that artists are all around us,” Hyland said. “Meeting local artists allows students the chance to ask questions and dive deeper into the reasons why people make art.”
