Children raise big bucks through art project
BY SOUMITRO SEN
Staff Writer, soumitros@theunion.com
» More from Soumitro Sen
9:43 a.m. PT May 7, 2008
If you thought charity is for adults with money to spare, think twice.
Sixth graders at Seven Hills School recently raised more than $900 for Hospitality House making a twin-size quilt and a matching pillow for a class project.
The quilt and pillow were sold last week at a fundraiser for Hospitality House, said Executive Director Cindy Maple.
“It makes me feel good that we raised so much money by doing a single thing like putting together a quilt,” said 12-year-old Lilliana Collins, one of 29 students who worked on the quilt. “I like to give to Hospitality House because they help so many people who can’t fend for themselves.”
Students first made a paper prototype of the quilt before working on the actual cloth version, said Jim McQuiston, sixth grade instructor at Seven Hills.
Each student created a design for each square of the quilt, McQuiston said.
Participants in the project particularly enjoyed making the design.
“I chose a heart and inside it wrote, ‘Help the homeless,’” said 11-year-old Nick Hoxsie. “I liked choosing the design and the fact that we got to choose anything.”
“I made a house that has tonnes of different designs inside it,” Collins said. “I know guests at Hospitality House go to different churches each day (for shelter). That’s why I made the house.
“I made different kinds of designs inside it to represent my feelings toward Hospitality House. I like it a lot,” Collins said.
The quilt was bought by Helen Neff, owner of a local yoga studio, said Eileen Blodgett, a parent volunteer art docent in McQuiston’s class.
Neff plans to display the quilt at her business and then circulate it for show at other local businesses, Blodgett said. A write-up on the genesis of the quilt is expected to accompany the art piece as an inspiration for the community, Blodgett added.
To contact Soumitro Sen, e-mail ssen@theunion.com or call 477-4229.
