Grade 6 students in Cindy Neufeld’s class at Mountview elementary participated in the first annual Starlight Children’s Foundation national art project earlier this year.
The Starlight Foundation is a Canadian organization that benefits seriously ill children in Canada, providing them with opportunities to enjoy experiences that help to alleviate the challenges they face every day.
The class was selected by the foundation to produce and submit some original works of art for an online auction to benefit both the Starlight Foundation and Mountview elementary.
Bidding ended April 15, but the students’ artwork can still be viewed at www.starlightartproject.org.
“I was happy that we were chosen,” Neufeld said.
“I am proud of the hard work they have put into this project for the benefit of others.”
Being selected to participate meant the class was provided with new art supplies from Crayola Canada and were expected to create pieces of art that exemplify the qualities of hope and courage.
At the end of the auction judges selected a piece of art from each school which will be entered in a provincial competition.
The two best pieces from each province were then judged by a celebrity panel for selection as one of the top three in the nation.
Art created by Mountview student James Bing was chosen to go on to the provincial competition, which has since been held.
For Neufeld’s class this project wasn’t about the contest, explained their teacher. It has been an exercise in giving, while learning that there are those in this world who have to face each day with more hope and courage than most of us can imagine.
“It has been a great learning experience on many different levels,” Neufeld said. “And given the chance I would do it again.”