Kedron Elementary School students literally squeezed, pummeled and stretched their emotions into tangible form recently during a collaborative effort on the part of the school's C.A.R.E. team and art teacher Wendy Stimbaugh.

After winning the prestigious SAPA award for its work with the district-wide C.A.R.E. program, Kedron received the clayemotion traveling art exhibit crated by artist Keith Haring.

According to Stambaugh, students created their own interpretations of “emotions in clay” after studying Haring's works. They discovered the beauty of Haring's simple lines and shapes to express emotion.

“Clay is a kinesthetic medium that allows the students' emotions to emerge,” Stambaugh added.

The emotional figures symbolize the diversity among all children through their art.

Kedron student Jacklyn Simpson said everyone should come and see the exhibit, which will remain on display through February 2001 in the front hallway of the school.

“The sculptures make you feel the emotions of others. The figures make you sad and happy when you think about other people having all those feelings,” Simpson said. “I'm glad Mrs. `S' let us make our own sculpture. My classmates' creations were really good. I made mine happy because I like being happy the best.”

Student sculptor Jack Kane explained, “I called mine depression because I've seen other people feel like that.”

“I called mine OUCH!” said Cameron Echardt.

Norm Brooks added, “I chose contemplation because it reminds me of the wise men.”