Jackson Elementary School students, parents, community members and district officials gathered Wednesday to unveil "Newberry Field of Dreams," the latest mural completed by the school's art club.
"There are so many people that are supporting Jackson students, Newberry and art. And I love it," said John Killian, Jackson principal.
The mural - which is the sixth one made in as many years by the art club - was hidden behind a cloth sheet as audience members took their seats for the presentation. It finally was unveiled at the end of the event.
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CRAIG S. McKIBBEN JR./Sun-Gazette
This mural, painted by the fifth grade students in the Jackson Elementary School Art Club depicts the 2012 Newberry Little League District 12 champions. The mural is the latest artwork made by the club to be displayed in Newberry.
The mural was a product of a relationship between the district and Newberry Community Partnership and was funded by a City of Williamsport cultural grant.
"Every year I fall more in love it," Sandy Corson, art teacher and club adviser, said of the project.
The mural depicts a group of players from this year's Newberry Little League District 12 Champions. Corson said some of the club members were on the team and posed as models for the mural.
"So many of my kids love baseball (and) play baseball and we always try to do something the kids can relate to," she said.
Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Kelley, who admitted to not being very artistic, said that at a time when most school districts are looking to cut art programs, she was proud to be a part of one that brings art to so many students.
"It's because of your talent that we're here," Kelley told students before the unveiling.
Corson said the fifth-grade students in the club needed to be responsible in order to be a part of the project. She explained that by requiring students to be on time and to notify
her if they were going to miss a meeting, allowed them to learn important life lessons that will serve them as they grow older. Students also learned about sacrifice, as they missed recess in order to work on the mural.
Quahme Powell, a member of the art club, said it was nice that so many people from the community showed support for the club and what it has been doing.
"It's really good to see all of the people appreciating our work," he said.
The mural will be displayed on the back of a dugout at the Newberry Little League field on Arch Street, according to Alannah Gabriel, of the partnership.
"I was stunned," Gabriel said when she first saw it. "It's just so colorful, and I think it really captures the vision of what the kids and Mrs. Corson wanted to do."
Corson added that the project has allowed "the community to invest in the kids and the kids to invest in the community."
"These kids are amazing," she added. "They don't get anything out of this except a great feeling."
