Earth Day is celebrated each year on April 22. It began in 1970 and is now observed globally. It serves as a reminder to protect and nurture our planet.
Albany students in first, second and third grades, as well as those in Mrs. Joys’ and Mrs. Fernalld’s classes, came together to write essays and create artwork for the annual Earth Day display. Third-grade students also participated in a special art project inspired by pioneering glassmaker Dale Chihuly. A master craftsman, Chihuly’s glass artwork is internationally acclaimed, and one of his pieces, a magnificent chandelier, is on display at Turning Stone Resort Casino.
Students were tasked with reusing plastic that might otherwise have ended up in landfills. They used plastic plates and markers, letting their imaginations run wild. The plates were exposed to heat, creating undersea forms similar to those seen in Chihuly’s work. After cooling, the pieces were assembled into a sculpture and illuminated with lights to highlight their design and color. These sculptures will eventually hang in third-grade classrooms.
We are proud of our Albany students and share their enthusiasm for the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. Their efforts remind us to do our part. Treat every day as Earth Day for ourselves and for our future generations to come.
