Pine Grove Special Needs Students Bring Home Banner Contest Win

Patch reported last week .

While this is already an achievement, Patch learned later on that the students who won the contest were part of Pine Grove Middle's Communication and Learning Supports for learners with Autism program.  

Two small groups of students worked together with middle school art teacher Vernon Fains to put the banners together.

"Art is a great form of expression for my students, most of whom can not effectively  communicate their concerns or wishes in another way," Fains said in an e-mail to Patch.

The students took inspiration from children's picture book author Eric Carle (who wrote The Very Hungry Caterpillar) and began painting on paper and creating stamped patterns.  The influence from the books is evident in the artwork which is typified by simple shapes and bright colors.

The papers and patterns were cut and collaged into two banners which can be seen in and around Towson Circle and the Towson business district. 

"We decided to keep it fun and simple.  We were surprised and honored that both of our designs were chosen to be reproduced as banners and displayed (back-to-back) around the Towson Circle and throughout the business and shopping community," Fains said in an e-mail.

The banners will be on display in Towson until Feb. 11, 2011.