On Friday, December 14, the world received horrifying news that yet another school and its families had become victims of senseless gun violence when the students and faculty of Sandy Hook Elementary in Newton, Connecticut fell prey to assault by a single gunman.
On Monday, December 17, the art students of West Feliciana Parish High School responded to this tragic event by creating more than 150 works of art as a form of support for the families and loved ones of the victims.
Under the guidance of their art teacher, Killian G. Williams and with approval from Principal Jim Carroll, students were allowed to create works of art dubbed “Fleur de Hearts.” Each masterpiece incorporates the fleur de lis school logo combined with a traditional heart shape. “Art is a common form of therapy when working with large groups of youth at any age level. This project is a way for our students to become part of the global community as well as express themselves and their concerns about events that affect us all,” said Williams.
After viewing the artwork, Superintendent Hollis Milton said, “I am really proud of our students and Mr. Williams for working on this project. The artwork demonstrates our students’ abilities to mix creativity and compassion together. This tragedy has affected us all and I hope that this type of activity will promote healing for the people in Newton. I urge everyone to continue to keep the faculty and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary in our thoughts and prayers.”
The Fleur de Hearts project was quite a success as is evidenced by the numerous pieces of art that will be shipped to the small Connecticut community, which is very similar in size and demographics to the community of West Feliciana Parish.
