Students Develop Love of Literature

Puget Sound Adventist Academy in Kirkland, Wash., presented its first Student Art Exhibition in late May to highlight integrated art and literature projects of 76 students, from freshman to seniors.

The interdisciplinary project was inspired by the work of Tim Rollins, a Detroit, Mich., inner city teacher and activist, who incorporated art-making with reading, writing and analysis. Individually or collaboratively, students creatively embedded book pages taken from used copies of chosen literature into sculptures, collages, painted artwork and photography.

The absolute unique identity of each work of art — the various sizes, colors and mediums used — merely hinted at the diversity and talent of the student body.

The art exhibit, featuring interpreted and illustrated literary themes, was made possible by the Don Keele Excellence in Education Award presented to Anika Clark, English teacher. The award program is designed to encourage teachers and students to explore new ideas in creative ways.

Karen Schwartz, Kirkland Adventist School Kindergarten teacher, also received a Don Keele Award to implement a reading and technology project. Schwartz purchased five iPods, downloaded children's story audio books and created reading packs to combine audio books with hard copy books. This allowed students to begin experiencing independent reading through following along in selected books while listening to the story.