MetroWest Jewish Day School (MWJDS) students, Arlie Burg ofNatickand Ashley Mintz of Holliston (l-r), were semi-finalists in the “I Have a Dream 50 Art Contest”.  They were guided by art teacher Patti Kelly Bernhard of Worcester, The students created artwork inspired by a word or phrase from The Dream Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. given 50 years ago inWashington,D.C.  The aim of this contest was to clarify the relevance of history and to demonstrate the importance of the arts in education and daily life in building stronger communities and mutual respect to one another.  Arlie and Ashley were selected from a group ofBostonjudges including Callie Crossley, Barry Gaither, Jenny Holzer, Edward Saywell, and Sebastian Smee. 

 

Arlie, states “I was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech and how much he tried to change the world.  I would like if people would look at everyone the same and not be judged by the color of their skin.  My original idea was to do a portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King but my finished art piece showed I how really felt about Dr. King’s speech and what he was trying to do.  I also learned that he cared very much about children and how they should not be judged by their color but by the context of their character.”

 

Ashley, writes “After learning and reading Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech, I was inspired by his dream.  My original idea was to sketch Dr. King’s face and add color but my finished product was using his whole written speech covering his portrait”.  She adds “I learned a lot about Dr. King and how he had really big dreams and how he wanted freedom for all people and not be judged by the color of their skin or their religion.  During my art class we all read and heard Dr. King’s speech.  I liked the whole process of creating the art and learning about Dr. King’s dream, and how it still helps me to understand my world.

 

Art teacher Patti Bernhard Kelly is an accomplished artist and art educator and the MWJDS Art Teacher and the After School Program Coordinator. Since receiving her BFA in studio art and education, Patricia’s classroom experiences include teaching visual arts in public and private schools, preschool age through grade 12, studio classes at theWorcesterArt Museumand painting to private students. For over 10 years, Patricia taught visual arts to children with special needs and physical challenges. She continues to exhibit her own work at many galleries and art spaces inWorcesterCountyas well as in several private collections in theU.S.and Scotland.

 

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