News from Upstate

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Twenty-one Chittenango Middle School students are brightening the days of patients at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital with large colorful sculptures of smiling suns.

Karen Tashkovski’s art students created the sun sculptures that are now on display in the children’s hospital art gallery, located on the 12th floor, through March.

The eight graders began with cardboard, aluminum foil, and masking tape. They covered the surface with plaster of Paris and added Celluclay faces. Their entire sculptures were finished in a tissue paper decoupage.

“It is a tremendous honor for our school to have this opportunity to showcase student work at the beautiful Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital,” said Thomas Piatti, principal of Chittenango Middle School. “Hopefully, our artistic suns can brighten some of the children’s spirits during their stay.”

“We’re delighted to have the works of these young artists decorating our gallery walks,” said Leola Rodgers, associate administrator for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. “For patients and their families, these colorful creations help the healing and truly bring smiles to all.”

Chittenango Middle School is part of the Chittenango Central School District. Tashkovski has been an art teacher with the district for fifteen years.

Student artists whose work is on display are: Alexis Brown, Wyatt Blanding, Patrick Clobridge, Leanne Cotter, Katie Houle, Kyle Jackson, Ashley Jackowski, Timothy Jaquin, Tristan Julian, Nolan Kendrat, Tyler Lenway, Kenneth Misercola, Ethan Perry, Patience Putna, Lizzy Shane, Derek Smith, Viekoda Stevens, Cody Stucker, Michaela Tadros, William Thresh and Trenton Zophy.