Talis Muzikants's Page

International Art Exchange: Art Exhibit at Parker

Students in Mr. Marienthal's art classes at Francis Parker Middle/Upper school have been participants in an international art exchange for the past two years. This year the program, Creative Connections, sent their work around the world to trade hands with students in Baldone, Latvia. The theme of the exchange was, Through a Window: Looking Out, Looking In, and the work shown here is a digital representation of the art created by students at Francis Parker, alongside the original work they received from the students in Latvia. In many cases technology has become the window through which students view the world. But the connections that this artistic exchange have fostered are anything but virtual. This exchange performs something radical in a digital era. Students hold images physically in their hands that have winged their way around the globe for the express purpose of making a tangible connection. This exciting international showing of student work exemplifies the way art can build a solid bridge to span geographic and cultural divides, and reminds us of what cyberspace cannot replace.

Hello, Talis

Please visit my page to see the four pictures of Latvia art I put in My Photos

Laurie Polizzo

Greetings from the US!
We have enjoyed looking at all the beautiful art.
The art work gave us some insights into your daily lives.
We also enjoyed the large size of the pictures and the bold colors.
The students discovered that your country celebrates many of the same holidays and traditions.
My students were very interested in the holiday you celebrate for your country in November. This is similar to our 4th of July. The fireworks and other
traditions.
We noticed many pictures showed a love for nature and animals.
They were very amused by the pictures about mushrooms. I explained that many people pick mushrooms and make this a tradition in families.
They learn from older relatives the fine art of mushroom picking.
One picture we really enjoyed was the Mother's Day walk. The students never even thought that people in other countries celebrate a day for their mothers.
There was just so much to look at in the pictures.
We found many similarities like pumpkin picking, fall landscapes, amusement parks and birthdays.
My students were very surprised at how well the students draw.
I explained that the drawings came from an art school and these students may have art class everyday. We only have it once a week.
They believe your students are excellent artists!
Thank you for your perspective on your lives in Latvia.
Laurie Polizzo

Hi! I am Laurie Polizzo and I am the art teacher from your partner school in the United States. The artwork created by your students was beautiful!
Laurie

Hello Dalis,
We are starting on the drawing for creative connection this week. I have about 30 students that will be working on the project. They range from beginners to advavced. How is the project going for you. Have you done the project before?
Best Wishes,
David