If art truly can replace words, then Marion students who took part in the Dove Block Project in Geneva should have plenty of both.
Several Marion Spanish and American Sign Language students were volunteers on September 26 at the annual Fall Family Festival that this year celebrated Hispanic Heritage. Students painted faces, worked on a canvas mural, danced to mariachi and made tissue paper flowers.
“My favorite part was meeting all the people there and how dedicated they were to their heritage,” senior Ruth Bell said.
Anna Kellerhouse said “it was great, everyone was very approachable.”
The mural was a fun project for the artists among the Marion group, who collaborated with others on the pieces that will be assembled and revealed at a later date.
Mariachi music also provided a chance to take a break from the face painting, mural work and tissue paper flowers (flores de papel) offered a connection to Mexican culture that uses the bright colors to enhance celebrations like weddings, birthdays and holidays.
“It was fun and there were so many different things to do,” said freshman Tessa Castillo. “We had dancing and singing and it was nice to connect. All the older people were so friendly.”
Castillo especially appreciated the music.
“I couldn’t stop watching,” she said of the mariachi. “It was neat to hear the interpretation. It was so thoughtful even though I’ve heard it so many times at home.”
Junior Briannah Marshall enjoyed the surprise the music provided.
“It was fun to watch, and my dad danced with them!”
A touching moment of the day was recognition for Jeanette Hernandez, a former Marion teacher assistant who also taught art. Ms. Hernandez, who passed away in January, was a big part of the local arts culture and was an active volunteer with the Dove Block Project.
“She was a great person who knew how to connect with students,” said Mrs. Duffy, the Marion Spanish and ASL teacher who helped coordinate the trip for the Marion students. “The students this year learned from and connected with local artists … We were honored to be included in this annual celebration of history, heritage and creativity.”
Marion students attending the September 26 event:
Ethan Barnett, senior
Tessa Castillo, freshman
Skyleigh Simpson, senior
Lyla Schrom, sophomore
Briannah Marshall, junior
Anna Kellerhouse, junior
Ruth Bell, senior
Brooke Fox, seventh grader
