What do middle-school students think about gangs, violence, drugs, money and love?
Organizers of an Art Celebration scheduled 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Dalewood Middle School hope to provide some answers and raise funds for the school’s newly revitalized arts program.
The celebration will include an auction and exhibition of recent work, including a series on social issues inspired by artist Keith Haring that explores topics ranging from gangs to world peace.
“My painting shows world peace and what the world would look like coming together without gangs and violence,” said eighth-grader Coryn Atkinson.
Another student’s painting is a literal interpretation of the senselessness of gang violence.
“The clocks and the people are going into the wastebasket to show that they are a waste of time,” said the student, who asked to remain anonymous to protect his safety.
Art teacher Michel Belknap said she wants the celebration “to be a day of supporting the creative voice of our kids.”
Dalewood Middle is at 1300 Shallowford Road. For more information, call 493-0323 or visit www.dalewoodartcenter.com.