Art evolves in Mars project
ADAMS TWP — An art display in the Mars School District administrative office demonstrates that a great work of art lurks beneath even the youngest artist’s drawings.
Kindergartners and first graders at the Mars Primary Center were asked to draw a monster. Then those drawings were transformed into more intricate and complex works of art by high school art students.
Comic book illustrator David DeVries created the “Monster Engine” project, which was picked up by the district’s art department.
The program will be further developed at Mars when DeVries visits the district soon, thanks to a $1,500 grant approved by the Mars Planet Foundation.
Foundation board member Bonnie Weaver, who is also a school board member, explained the program to the board Monday night.
Weaver said DeVries’ idea is to fully render children’s drawings in the representational style he used for his Marvel Comics illustrations.
At Mars, the high school artists added context to the monsters, developing them conceptually and technically.
Weaver said when DeVries visits, he will talk with the primary center’s second grade students before they draw their monsters.
DeVries will then cross the street to the high school, where he will enlist the services of 140 student artists to expand on the rudimentary drawings.
Superintendent Wesley Shipley also touted the program, calling it a valuable one for Mars students.
The visit by DeVries has not yet been scheduled.
