The Extended School Year (ESY) program is flying by! Yesterday we wrapped up an art project with Calais Artist-In-Residence Kevin Brooks. Students collaborated with Mr. Brooks to create a 3D art installation near the English and Spanish classrooms. The artwork emphasizes the core values and spirit of the Calais School’s ESY program.

Students worked with Mr. Brooks to depict the values we strive for here at Calais:  kindness, helpfulness, fairness, honesty, trust, and respect.

The values form the cornerstone of CALAIS CARES, a philosophy at Calais that emphasizes relationships and community service. Our first Calais Cares project is a toy and stuffed animal drive.

Last year Kevin Brooks was commissioned to work with our students to create a story mural, now on display in the lower school hallway. The four murals created represent what our students feel about The Calais school and illustrate their dreams for the future. The next time you visit The Calais School be sure to take a look at these incredible works of art.

Kevin Brooks is a nationally recognized artist who is best known for the versatility of his work, which includes numerous portraits, murals, magazine illustrations and children’s book illustrations. He currently teaches art at the Newark Boys Chorus School and teaches mural art through Project Impact, and Arts in Education organization. He is a resident artist in the several schools throughout New Jersey. See his amazing work on his website: http://kevinbrooksdzineart.com.

And from all of us at The Calais School,

Mr. Brooks!