The Millikin students took pictures of the kids on Polaroids. Then, the kids drew portraits in pencil based on these snapshots. Finally, the kids painted over their drawings. The program was so successful as a capstone project, it was then adopted as a service-learning Initiative Grant for the students in a painting class taught by Lyle Salmi, assistant professor of art. I felt it was a worthwhile activity to pursue with my painting class.
Children are very creative.
Sponsoring an activity such as this not only encourages the children s creativity, but also reminds us as a community of the importance of creativity in our daily lives, Salmi said. The students said they were quite thrilled the program,the result of their hard work, would continue after they were gone. We all hope that this program will continue to be supported, not only by the people of the community who understand that art is for everyone and creativity is such an important part of growth. We are proud to have been part of this program and that its success is in how much it gives back to the community of Decatur, Perez said.