Bethpage Students Create Living Art From A Bird's-Eye View

BETHPAGE, NY — Students at the three Bethpage elementary schools took part in the "Art for the Sky" project, transforming themselves into large-scale, living works of art with aerial artist Daniel Dancer.

Using recycled materials and drone photography, hundreds of students collaborated to create massive designs visible only from a birds-eye view. Dancer shared the history of his artwork at each school and spoke about his 'Six Teachings,' which are intention, collaboration, interconnection, sky-sight, gratitude and apology, and impermanence. He described 'sky-sight' as the ability to see oneself as part of a larger whole — a perspective only possible from a distance.

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At each school, Dancer worked with small groups of students to select locations, gather materials, and brainstorm design ideas.

At Kramer Lane Elementary School, students created an eagle using about 150 pairs of collected jeans. The jeans were later donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island.

Students at Charles Campagne Elementary School designed an Uncle Sam hat using jeans and sheets. The jeans were donated as well, while the sheets will be reused for Field Day.

Central Boulevard School students used plastic water bottles, which will be recycled, and murals that were created by art teacher Rothwell to create the Energy Bus design. Students also wore color-coordinated shirts to help bring the image to life.

Afterward, Dancer shared aerial photographs and videos of the completed works, giving students a new perspective on their creations.

The videos can be found below:

• Kramer Lane School
• Charles Champagne School
• Central Boulevard School