“Remove the negative. Uncover and highlight the positive.” — Elton Braithwaite, speaking to my students about art and life.
We’re fortunate to have an acclaimed woodcarver — Elton Braithwaite — come to work our sixth graders (11 and 12 year olds) this coming week.
Elton has been a partner with our school for more than 15 years, and the collaborative projects created by sixth graders are everywhere in our school — from a table-game picnic table to a welcome sign to wood murals to a puppet theater. All show the artistic vision of Elton and about 70 students, and the coordination and dedication of our art teacher.
I appreciate the tactile learning experience that Elton provides, and also, his views on life and the spirit and creativity, and the desire many have to create new things out of the old.
This year’s project is a wood frame for an events calendar. I can’t wait to see how it comes out.
Peace (carved and polished),
Kevin