A Van Gogh Re-Creation

Taking Shape At Head O’ Meadow

By Eliza Hallabeck

Over the course of four days at Head O’ Meadow, a schoolwide creation will be completed for installation in the school’s front foyer.

Bruce Hunter, co-owner with his wife Joanne of the Art Spot in Danbury, explained to first grade students on Monday, January 11, the work they were about to complete would eventually be part of a 12- foot-long installation at the school.

“A mosaic is any picture that is made up of teeny-tiny things,” said Mr Hunter as he described what the students were about to help create.

The Art Spot, located on Route 7 in Danbury, offers art classes for children and adults with different media.

Set up on four tables in Head O’ Meadow’s art room were panels that will eventually form a tile re-creation of Dutch post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”

As different grade levels attend their art classes, members of the Art Spot, parent volunteers, and their teachers help them assemble the project.

“It just seemed like a neat organic community thing that could apply to kids of all ages,” said Head O’ Meadow PTA Cultural Arts Chair Ginny Bloomquist, who thought of the idea to bring an art project installation to the school last year.

Ms Bloomquist said she learned the Art Spot went to schools to create projects when she attended a showcase of projects last year.

“And they are great,” said Ms Bloomquist about the Art Spot.

The two center panels, according to Mr Hunter, will create a rendition of “Starry Night,” while the two outside panels will have renderings of trees painted by van Gogh in other works. Mr Hunter mapped out the project for all to glue the pieces of tiles to the panels.

When the idea for the project started to take shape, Head O’ Meadow art teacher Donna Perugini said she pushed for “Starry Night.”

“They all are very aware of his work,” said Ms Perugini about the artist. She added the work enhances the students learning of art history.

Once the image of “Starry Night” has been finished, Art Spot members will grout the panels to make sure all pieces of the ceramic tile stay in place.

Ms Perugini said the school’s creation based on “Starry Night” will not be exactly like the original.

Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson attended the school’s effort on Monday, January 11, and added her hands to the project.

“It’s just been so great,” Dr Robinson said as she left the art room on Monday.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of the week.