Blayton Students Observe International Day of Peace With Pinwheels

Students and staff at Blayton Elementary school planted decorated pinwheels in a “Pinwheels for Peace” installation outside of the school in recognition of the International Day of Peace celebration, a day designated for individuals, organizations and nations to create “practical acts of peace.” Under the direction of Art Teacher Tracy McKinnon, the students wrote their thoughts about peace, tolerance, and living in harmony with others on one side of the pinwheels. On the other side they drew pictures to visually express their feelings. The goal is to have the spinning of the pinwheels in the wind spread thoughts and feelings about peace throughout the country and the world. “Pinwheels for Peace” is an art installation project started in 2005 by two art teachers. Since then, the project has grown from 500,000 pinwheels planted the first year, to 3.5 million pinwheels in 2010.

Photos: Taryn Dalson of Alicia Futch’s class with her pinwheel; Tracy McKinnon with  Rachel Granata’s first grade class.