As O.P. Earle Principal Brian Murray pulled down a flowing black drape from the side of his elementary school, you could hear the “oohs” and “aahs,” the cheers from students and visitors.

The school, along with the Landrum Quilters, unveiled two quilt blocks on the side of the building featuring star designs painted by fourth and fifth-grade students.

Ellen Henderson, with the Landrum Quilters, reminded students that the work they created would not be just for them and their fellow students to enjoy, but for the entire community.

“I’m sure a lot of people will be riding by to see them. Thank you for your hard work,” Henderson said to students just before Principal Murray unveiled the blocks.

A total of 83 O.P. Earle students worked on the blocks including all fifth-grade students and fourth-grade Art Studio students.

Fifth-grader Ian Owens beamed with pride as he talked about being a part of the process to create the quilt blocks.

“In the very beginning it was exciting to be one of the first students to work on it,” Owens said. “I think [the blocks] are amazing and I feel a lot of pride because I got to help.”

Art teacher Emily Berry said the experience was incredibly valuable to her students.

“Every day the volunteers taped off another segment of the quilt block so students could paint the various sections – it took a lot of planning and thought,” Berry said. “My students were so excited about working on the blocks, they wanted to keep the tape.”

Students painted the triangle points of the stars and embellishments such as swirls and dots.

Fifth-grader Anslee Ward said it felt good to be a part of the project.

What was her favorite part of the design?

“I like that one of them had polka-dots,” she said smiling.

Students even named the designs – the first Earle’s Star and the second Starry Night.
Berry said she and Henderson worked together to select colors and designs that would be appropriate for an elementary school and that looked good from the road.

Landrum area artists Julie and BJ Precourt assisted on several of the painting days. The two even made small quilt block medallions for students to wear on necklaces as a token of the experience.

Principal Murray said allowing the kids to work on the quilt blocks alongside community volunteers added another element to the well-rounded education the school provides.

“It’s all about the students,” he said. “Just to know that as long as these quilt blocks are on the wall these kids will feel they were a part of something special. We want to stay involved in all facets of the community so our kids have these types of experiences.”