Compassion Through the Eyes of Children / Phase II

Children gathered at the St Augustine Amphitheater to create art on the panels of a 15 foot Obelisk, these children came from different organizations, such as, Betty Griffin Center, The Players Championship Boys and Girls Club, Kids Safe Zone, St. Augustine Youth Services, St. Paul School of Excellence, The Arc of St. Johns, the Academy of Business and Leadership Education and St. Augustine Public Montessori School.

Last year’s project was a mix of work from local students (28 obelisks) and another 25 obelisks — at 8.5 feet tall — designed by area artists and later showcased at Flagler College’s Crisp-Ellert Art Museum. One of the student pieces was even chosen as the official gift of the City of St. Augustine to King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain during their September visit.

The goal of this year’s project, according to Compassionate St. Augustine, is to “engage children from diverse backgrounds and with wide-ranging aptitudes and exceptionalities in discussions about the intrinsic values of the 1812 Spanish Constitution Obelisk on St. Augustine’s public square.”

Caren Goldman, executive director of Compassionate St. Augustine, said the collaboration of children with such different backgrounds made for an impressive piece of art.

In addition to adding to the inclusiveness of the work, the other main goal for phase two was to make it a model for other cities to copy. It wouldn’t necessarily be an obelisk art project but a similar art project that fits with the history and character of that community.

Source: http://firstcoasttv.wpengine.com/compassion-through-the-eyes-of-children-phase-ii/