Lighthouse to the World added to UHQT

Concord Elementary is an International Baccalaureate School meaning students are taught to be responsible global citizens in an ever-changing world. Mike Lucas from the McDowell Quilt Trail in North Carolina designed the Lighthouse to the World and their quilt panel is located on Eastfield Elementary School in Marion. NC. Lucas said, “I have been with the quilt trail since we started in 2006, now approaching block #200. I have done all the design work for all the blocks, including this one that is non-traditional. Also have constructed, painted (with occasional help), and installed (with considerable help) all the blocks”. Mr. Lucas worked closely with sponsors to create a quilt pattern that represents their mission. “Each of the four corners of the block have a yellow and old structure representing a lighthouse with white rays of light radiating from the center on each side. Boys and girls of all cultures and skin pigments are united hand to hand dressed in bright clothing on a background of black. Their feet are all based around the world in the center of the block, the globe representing land, sea and white clouds in a blue sky.” Additional information about the McDowell Trail can be found at http://www.mcdowellquilttrail.org. Art Beat in Action Day is an annual event at Concord Elementary encouraging learning through art and is sponsored by Wanda Griffin Elrod’s family in her memory. She was a former student and parent of four students who attended Concord, Jenna, Betsy, Allie, and Rebecca Elrod. Her father and mother started the donation, and after her mother’s death, her dad, Gene Griffin, and his wife, Beth continues the legacy. The 2015 event was held on March 26. Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Kay King, teachers at Concord Elementary, collaborated with the entire staff to create a plan for a day of “art in action.” they had various artists and volunteers from the area assisting students and teachers in creating collaborative art pieces and artifacts that would enhance the school and be permanently displayed for all the school community to enjoy .Third grade students worked with members of the Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail to paint an outdoor display and create a fabric wall hanging of Lighthouse to the World. King stated, “This was a perfect fit to tie in to the third grade standards on South Carolina Heritage and this quilt design showing children from different cultures holding hands around the world is a wonderful fit for our school.”