Emily Brittain students inspired by assembly, create art for Sunnyview residents
BUTLER CITY — Students at Emily Brittain Elementary School learned the power of using their gifts and talents for the community at an assembly on Tuesday afternoon.
Local musician and artist Tom Panei shared his artistic journey and gave the students a project that will be displayed in a nursing home.
Principal Cassandra Pencek said the presentation is part of their Community Love Day. Once a month, the school holds an assembly and does an activity that contributes to Butler.
“I asked the teachers who they thought would benefit from getting something from the kids,” she said. “They voted for Sunnyview.”
Students in kindergarten through fourth grade sat in rapt attention as Panei discussed his passions in performance and art, and how no matter how experienced, everyone needs to practice every day to improve.
“The presentation is about letting kids find their passion and hone the skill, practice it, and share it with the community,” he said. “Taking something, creating and giving back ... this is putting them on the right track for that.”
Panei also discussed different artists from Picasso to Pollock, saying even though the works vary in style, they are still art.
At the presentation’s close, Panei gave teachers pages of hearts in his abstract style for students to color for the nursing home.
“They’re going to be really happy to get something like this. Once you get it all together, it’ll be a really cool visual impact,” he said.
Erin Mill’s second-grade class were busy with their art pieces following the assembly. According to her, the message of the presentation stuck with her students.
“His message about never giving up definitely came across. We talk about it every day because life is hard sometimes,” Mills said. “It was a nice break for (the students); they were in awe of what he was doing and smiling.”
Vivienne Bowser was diligently working on shading her heart with crayons. She enjoyed hearing about the types of art Panei has worked on.
“A lot of people in my family are good artists. I want to be an artist when I grow up,” she said. “I like making people happy.”
Dani Hess said her favorite part of the presentation was about never giving up. She too wants to be an artist when she grows up.
“You always want to try your best. You’ll never know how good you are if you don’t try,” Dani said.
Oliver Wright enjoyed the music and art equally, and is excited for someone he doesn’t know to get his art.
“It’s nice you can share (art) with your family and the world,” he said.
The colored hearts will be collected and displayed at Sunnyview Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in the coming weeks. Panei urged students to do their best on the project.
“Take your time. If you color outside the lines, it’s okay. There’s no mistakes,” he said.
