Oakside Students Collaborate with HVCCA Artist Leslie Pelino

Students at Oakside Elementary have created two permanent art fixtures with the help of Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art’s resident sculpture artist, Leslie Pelino. The works of art are shaped as trees and consist of locally gathered driftwood that has been wrapped in various salvaged materials such as loose thread, fabric, ribbon and plastic tubing.

Pelino collaborated with 6 groups of Grade 2 and Grade 3 classes to work on the project. Each child created different branches for the trees. Some painted the driftwood in various colors, while others drew designs such as faces on their branch. Once the bases of the branches were colored, students wove fabric around the driftwood and added accents of pine cones and feathers.

While creating these pieces, each table of students received crafting help from other artist members of the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art.

Peekskill art teacher, Jennifer Lomardo said the creative project was a great opportunity for the children to enhance their creativity and become well acquainted with a local Peekskill artist.

“The students were extremely enthusiastic and excited to take on this project,” Lombardo said. “As a teacher, it was great to see everything transpire because the kids really don’t get to experience meeting a real artist besides their own teacher.”

The two finished trees are now displayed in the courtyard of Oakside Elementary for all students, faculty and staff to admire.