Artwork displays lessons learned about respect

EDMOND — I'll admit, when I was asked to check out the Respect Diversity Symbol Exhibit at the Omniplex, I didn't know what to expect.

Respect Diversity Foundation Executive Director Joan Korenblit sent me a tip that Edmond students put together art projects there, which were on display, if I'd like to take a look.

What the heck, right? I like looking at things. That's my second favorite thing to do with my eyes, after closing them for a nap.

When I got there, I'll cop to it, I probably blinked a few times. But I sure didn't want to close my eyes.

If you're a fan of kids learning through art, as I am, then you really ought to make it out to the Omniplex, 2100 NE 52, next to the Oklahoma City Zoo.

There is a lot of art out there, much of it the work of Edmond students, and every piece has a story behind it.

It may not be ready for the Louvre, but it's better than anything I could do, and it's impressive to think that our students are thinking so deeply about such complex issues.

Russell Dougherty Elementary School students created "Revealing Beauty Beneath the Surface” as their interpretation of the idiom, "You can't judge a book by its cover.”

Students from Northern Hills Elementary School made a neat directional piece of art that shows a lion and a butterfly, called "Pride and Freedom.”

North and Santa Fe high school students took part, as did summer campers at the Edmond Multi-Activity Center and elementary students at Washington Irving, Sunset, Orvis Risner and more.

The piece from Sunset, "A Sweet Smell of Roses,” is particularly beautiful and explores the themes of civil and human rights.

"Respect can be taught through any subject,” Korenblit said. "We can work these projects into any lesson teachers are working on.”

Not only does it allow students to express themselves through art, but it helps them remember lessons better, because creating the art is such a singular experience, she said.

Education is a point of pride in Edmond, and it's nice to see the focus is on math and science and English, but also on expanding the horizons of students — creating art and thinking about what the art means.

If you get a chance, head out to the Omniplex before May 7, when the exhibit will be moved to Tulsa.

If you miss it this year, don't worry — students will be making more art for next year's exhibit. That is a beautiful thing.