Student art to brighten hospital walls

      

State Street School students recently gathered in the art room to proudly hold their creations that will soon hang on the walls of Crouse Hospital. For the fifth year, art created at State Street School is being donated to the hospital. The colorful works will join dozens and dozens of other works by Skaneateles students that still grace the walls of the hospital.
The 24 third, fourth and fifth grad artists who are contributing this year will be honored at an opening reception March 11. In addition to their 24 individual works of art, the donation includes two beautiful weavings created with the many hands of fourth graders in a special weaving project with teacher Sue Barry and artist Karen Pardee.
Barry said that Skaneateles Town Square once again donated all of the glass for the framing.  The PTC and Crouse Hospital helped with the cost of framing.
Barry said the students created their art specifically for this project, with the idea that their art could be cheerful and comforting. “The students get a sense of how to use their talents to help other people,” said Barry. “I’ve been told over and over how this innovative project has succeeded in its goal of providing a bit of a pleasant distraction from those in the hospital.”
State Street teacher Kathy McGruder, a State Street teacher assistant, recalled seeing the artwork when at the hospital with her grandson.  “It’s a nice surprise to look and see student artwork. It gives a nice distraction from an unpleasant and perhaps scary time in one’s life. It provides a starting point to a conversation.”