Pure Excitement

This past November, the Principal at Austin's school, Oakland Terrace Elementary, announced that a well-known artist, Jason Swain, who lives in Silver Spring, had been commissioned by someone to paint a portrait of President-Elect Obama as a gift (and will probably be hung in the White House). Originally, our Principal had commissioned him last year to paint some murals but due to his heavy work schedule, it never happened. So when he was given the opportunity to create this portrait, he asked if he could do so at our school. He worked on the portrait for the last month on the stage of the school's all purpose room. As the kids ate lunch, they were able to watch the entire process, talk to the artist and ask questions any time they wanted. Mr. Swain is an artist who loves to involve the public, especially children. This past week, he completed the portrait and there was lots of fan fare. Channel 9 and Channel 5 news have been at the school, along with a local Congressman to celebrate the portrait'ss completion. Since today was the last day the picture would be on display, Mr. Swain set up a separate canvas and allowed the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders to sign their names, then he will attach the canvas to the back of the portrait! Austin was so excited by this! Imagine, Austin's signature could possibly hang in the White House. I think that is really amazing and what a wonderful idea for the artist to include with his project. It wasn't but a couple months ago that Austin asked me if I thought it might be possible for him to be President one day. "Of course you could be President, anything is possible", is what I told him. Well, even if he doesn't make it in the White House someday, his signature will!

Even more exciting - President-Elect Obama knows about the portrait being created for him and sent a note to Austin's school, which his Principal read to them, thanking them for their support and other things (Austin couldn't quite remember all the details - I'll get more details when I see the Principal). It's been a remarkable week at Austin's school - alot of history learned, alot of history in the making, alot of just being part of it all. Below are a couple links, one is an Australian article on Mr. Swain (yes, he is Australian) and the other a clip of the Channel 9 news cast. Channel 5 was there today but it won't be aired until Monday.

http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=80442&catid=189

http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2009/jan/15/coast-artist-jason-swain-obama-portrait/