A class of budding artists at Deerfield Elementary School painted watercolor renderings inspired by the works of artist Georgia O'Keeffe. They created close-up views of flowers that appeared to be under a magnifying glass.
Another handful of youngsters created oil and pastel paintings based on the work of Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky.
When all of the works were completed, Debbie Perry was given the task of selecting the 10 best pieces.
"We have so many children here who create great art," Perry said. "It was hard to choose the best ones."
But it is all for a good cause, Perry said. The works of art will be shown in the second annual Student Art Exhibition and Sale to be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Richlin Ballroom in Edgewood.
Hosted by the Greater Edgewood Education Foundation Inc. -- a partnership of community members to raise awareness, pride, and support for quality education in Edgewood schools -- the event will feature 60 works of art, 10 from each school, that were created by student artists from Edgewood, Deerfield, Abingdon, and William Paca/Old Post Road elementary schools, and Edgewood Middle and High schools.
Money raised at the event, which costs $20 per ticket, will go to benefit students in all six of the Edgewood schools, said Deb Merlock, president and founder of the Greater Edgewood Education Foundation.
The art show and sale is one of several fundraisers held each year by the foundation.
Though they are inundated with requests for student art in competitions and contests, Brad Moore, the art teacher at Abingdon Elementary, allowed his students to participate because artwork made during class could be used, he said.
"It's just the idea that it makes the children feel special about themselves and what they do here," said Moore, who has been teaching art for 22 years.
Nicholas Sacha agreed.
He's so proud of his entry -- a charcoal drawing of a priest -- that he said it's not for sale.
"I am so excited," the 10-year-old fifth grader said. "I am glad people will see my work, but I want to keep it ... it's a memory. I don't want to forget."
Sisters Kelly and Erin Mellarkey already have spots for their artwork after the show. They also intend to keep their work.
Kelly, 11, drew a cityscape, and Erin, 8, made a piece using a heart pattern. Making her little masterpiece was just too much work to give it up, Erin said.
"It was so hard lining up all the hearts and getting them just right," the third grader said. "And my sister has been hanging her art in our house and now I get to, too."
Dante Brown said he'll part with his farm scene, created with colored pencils and chalk. The 10-year-old fourth grader said he's excited to sell his first piece of art.
"I hope it sells for about a $1,000," Dante said. "I had to work hard not to get the chalk and the colors mixed together. I think my art should sell for a lot."
Merlock said she started the foundation in 2004 to celebrate the accomplishments of Edgewood students and to get the community involved in education within the schools.
Two initiatives are operated under the auspices of the foundation: The College Pathways Program and the Everyday Hero Awards.
The College Pathways Program is open to all children in kindergarten through 12th grade. The program was designed to help prepare elementary and middle school students for high school, and then to help make college a reality, Merlock said.
"On average, about 50 percent of the kids in our schools are at-risk," said Merlock, who has four children in Edgewood schools.
To meet the needs of students early, the program gets parents of children engaged in goal setting.
"Through the Parent Academy, we get parents involved in goal setting and learning," Merlock said.
Upon entering middle school, students become members of the Youth Leadership Academy. Then participating students attend an annual three-day overnight retreat at Harford Glen. The program kicked off with 40 students. Each year, 40 more are added.
Other programs include a day at Harford Community College and a day at the state Capitol, Merlock said.
At the high school level, scholarships are being awarded to students who participated in the Youth Leadership Academy. One scholarship was given last year, and as many as four will be given this year.
"Our long-term goal is to provide a scholarship to every student who graduates from an Edgewood school," Merlock said.
In addition to the learning initiatives, the foundation sponsors fundraising projects such as an annual gala and silent auction, and a 5K Run. About $5,000 was raised in 2004, $25,000 in 2005 and $50,000 in 2006, Merlock said.
In addition to the school-based programs, alumni of the youth's academy, called SMILE -- Students Modeling Interactive Leadership in Edgewood -- are working to raise money to build a creative playground in Edgewood, Merlock said.
Although the project is in its infancy, they hope to raise about $150,000 to build the playground on property to be donated by the county, she said.
The other program, called the Everyday Hero Awards, honors extraordinary educators at Edgewood schools. The educators are nominated by a student, community member or fellow teacher.
"I founded this program to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and teachers," Merlock said. "I saw it as a way to get the community involved in education in our schools."