Called to the colors: Venerini Academy students create, donate art to Veterans Inc.
WORCESTER — Veterans Day is Saturday. In honor of all veterans, a group of students of the National Junior Art Honor Society at Venerini Academy created six different pieces of art and donated them to Veterans Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services to veterans and their families in New England.
The students, all in eighth grade, made replicas of the White House, a military tank, a Marines helicopter and an easel painting depicting a silhouette of a saluting soldier with an American flag in the background.
Eighth grader Marielle Phillips was the lead student on these projects. She was helped by classmates Leonardo Zeron, Dylan Provencher and Kaitlyn Kamurzora.
"We wanted to make something powerful that would stand out," Marielle said. "So we got a canvas and started painting."
The students spent several days after school and took time off from recess to create this artwork for veterans.
Marielle said she wants to join the Army when she is older.
“It’s just really important to me,” she said.
Venerini Academy art teacher Susan Slepetz is the school’s sponsor for the National Junior Art Honor Society. She said she could not be more proud of her students and their work.
“They are just the most exceptional children to work with,” Slepetz said. “They have hearts for people and they express that in their art.”
Venerini Academy has an annual Veterans Day program, the students said. The students’ painting was put on display there before donating it to Veterans Inc.
“We thought (this art) could bring (the veterans) joy,” Marielle said. “Just knowing that they’re thought of and appreciated by many people.”
Veterans Inc. is hosting its annual Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast Saturday. The art the students donated will be on display. Worcester’s annual Veterans Day Parade will follow.
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This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Veterans Inc receives artwork honoring veterans from local students
