Madison Reporter

Fourth graders at Pope Farm Elementary School are collaborating with visual artist and graphic designer Poornima Moorthy in a unique art project. The students, under the guidance of art teacher Marnie Hyland, are creating artwork themed “The POWER of ART: Creativity, Community, Kindness.” This artwork will be part of a permanent display at the school.

“Fourth graders are excited to use the power of art to have a positive impact on all Pope Farmers,” Hyland stated. She emphasized that since this is a permanent installation, the messages conveyed through their art will resonate for years.

The focus of their work is on how individuals can influence each other's lives positively and how art can alter emotions. Hyland was inspired to collaborate with Moorthy after viewing her exhibit at the Overture Center in Madison. “Her work was so playful and positive – very kid-friendly,” she noted. “I had been pondering hosting our first artist-in-residence at Pope Farm, and it seemed like a perfect fit.”

The residency is supported by funding from Pope Farm’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and the school's building fund.

Moorthy employs an iPad and mixed media for her creations, drawing inspiration from everyday life experiences, family interactions, kindness, love, compassion, and emotions. She explained that “the patterns seen in my work are all connections we have to relationships, possessions and the energy that is all around us and within us.”

Hyland also highlighted the importance of exposing students to local artists: “It is essential for students to understand that artists are all around us,” she said. Meeting local artists provides students with opportunities to engage more deeply with artistic motivations.