Scholars experience "Emotion Into Art"

Our elementary fourth- and fifth-grade scholars were treated recently to a terrific in-school experience that combined art with positive motivational messages, both which had the potential to leave a long-lasting impact.

The “Emotion Into Art” program, delivered at Carter, Maple Hill and Presidential Park, was a blend of speed painting and storytelling by Houston-based Tom Verano. The message for scholars to relentlessly pursue their dreams, clearly hit the mark with our young people - and they were delighted by each photo’s reveal.

Tom painted with his back to the audience, who could see the painting. Except the canvas was “upside down,” meaning the subject wouldn’t be evident until he rotated it. When he turned the first painting, the scholars screamed in delight that they recognized it was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This led to words about Dr. King cultivating courage to advocate what matters, and encouraging our scholars to do the same. Some of the other topics spoke about included anti-bullying, harnessing passion as the catalyst for success, dreaming BIG, advocating the importance of reading, exemplifying kindness and generosity, as well embracing discipline to achieve goals.

Tom also followed with paintings of Lady Liberty, late basketball star Kobe Bryant and Mirabel from “Encanto.”