Solar powered sculptures created by Pinon fifth grade students. Photo by Stephanie Rittner

Pinon Elementary School fifth grade students, along with art teacher Stephanie Rittner and artist-in-residence Deborah Brink, created solar powered kinetic sculptures called, “Towers of Power.”

The project provided an opportunity for students to learn about prisms, mirrors, light, magnification and how the eye and brain function, along with how a solar cell works.

According to Pinon students, the project was a new experience for them to work side by side with a real artist. Building these towers was an enjoyable experience and students had the power to put objects on the towers to make them bright and colorful, the students said.

“We are proud of ourselves for working hard, learning a lot and being creative,” a student said. “DB [Deborah Brink] is awesome!”

This project was made possible by funding through a Fine Arts Education Art Grant.