The program has grown exponentially in Baltimore. The number of student participants nearly tripled from 399 students in 1998 to 1,026 in 2000, said Jeffrey Simkin, sales manager for the Baltimore Art of Harmony program. We had a few art teachers and schools that really embraced the whole idea and from there it was a domino effect, he said. Students are free to employ any materials they choose, such as stained glass, papier mache, chalk, oil paints or pottery, but are required to paint an image of harmony and include the Coca-Cola logo or products. This is just another means for us to give back to the community, Ros said.
Art is usually the first area public schools cut.
This is a fun way for kids to express themselves artistically. Teachers from Towson High School and Parkville High School won awards for entering the most students in the contest. The ceremony was held yesterday at the Maryland Science Center. Mary Boone, owner of Boones Grocery on North Smallwood Street, says street artists respect each other s work and don t deface a work of art with graffiti. The 12 winners will see their artwork displayed in libraries, museums, malls and business centers, while selected works are displayed at the Coca-Cola worldwide headquarters in Atlanta.