A solar phenomenon was the inspiration for a third grade art project at Martin Avenue Elementary School. Students completed drawings to capture the northern lights.  

Teacher Erica Farley said the purpose of the project was to give her young artists a chance to experiment with different materials, as they worked with charcoal pencils, chalk pencils and oil pastels. To make the northern lights, students ripped a piece of paper, colored the uneven edge with chalk pastels, and swiped it on the blue construction paper so the colors faded into the sky. 

Students also practiced drawing reflections and silhouettes, as they pictures included animals, mountains and trees. Ms. Farley said that students complete a landscape project each year in art, and this was a chance to for third graders to explore some more advanced concepts and techniques. 

Date Added: 12/11/2025