A Study in Chalk

Ninth grader Abigail G. has created an interactive project called “Memory Aardvark," that connects Lower School and Upper School students through tracing their hands in chalk.

Abi chose this project for the Create/Design/Collaborate class led by Upper School Performing Arts Teacher Emily Stone. It was her culminating project for the semester-long class, in which students design and build interactive public art projects for the OES community. "US students often choose to create cross-divisional projects interacting with MS or LS audiences," said Stone. "It was fun to see the younger and older students participate in this one."

The LS students have been tracing their handprints in chalk on the brick wall of the athletic center by the LS playground during recess, and writing a favorite memory near their handprint.

The US students have been tracing their hands on a wooden Aardvark that Abi made and also adding a favorite memory to their print.

When the Aardvark sign is finished, Abi plans to hang it somewhere in the Upper School or the athletic center. The younger students' handprints will remain as long as the chalk lasts, so go take a look soon.