Photo Gallery: 

Organ Donor Awareness Art Exhibit 

"Giving Life as a Gift"

A few weeks earlier before the presentation given by The Transplant Network, the students at Galena High were saddened by the sudden death of a current student. Their assignment to paint an emotional piece about the gift of life was a difficult one for them to express because of the timing: it was just too close to home for them. None of us wants to think or feel vulnerable to unexpected events, especially the young. Their thoughts are on their potential. It was an uncomfortable task for some of them to paint truthfully with depth of sincerity and empathy for an experience that they would rather not connect to, but were required to do for a grade.  I remember speaking to one of them on how to start: If, somehow you were able to meet the girl who gave so much to others by donating her organs, and you only had your painting to offer her, what would you paint for her?   As I reflect upon my students’ work, I think they have done that—a gift to those who have donated. Thank you for letting us participate.  
    
                                                                                             Joanne Yau
                                                                                             Galena High School Art Teacher

 

Created by the students at Galena High School

 

Sara Williams - Galena High School

“The rose in the vase is dying. The vase has a crack in it and so there is a puddle of water.  In the puddle of water you can see the reflection of a live rose.  This means to me that through the sad passing of others, far in the distance, although it’s hard to see, there is positives in it by donating organs.”

 

Danielle Redlin - Galena High School

“ The flower represents rebirth and life.  The bright colors represent the impact that giving makes.  The soft brush strokes demonstrates the ease and delicateness of life.  In the center, the circle and swirl represents the on going process of life.”

 

Emily Fletcher - Galena High School

 

Kelly Peyton - Galena High School

The Gift of Life Painting

“The two people have one thing in common, they share the heart, although one is gaining life.  It is a mutual benefit to give and receive.”

 

 

Ashley Costelloe - Galena High School

“ This piece is representing the celebration of giving the gift of life with the bright colored ribbons and the way it is painted.  The one hand is giving the other the heart, which represents life, and the ribbons are shown to celebrate that.”

 

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