THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2008

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Bird Houses To Pop-Up In Park Ridge

In Chicago and Arlington Hts. a few yeas ago, it was artsy, decorated, life-sized cows all over town, remember?

In Park Ridge next month, it will be customized, gaily painted birdhouses. Lots of them.

About 500 third graders in Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 have been busy in recent weeks gluing, hammering, and nailing together birdhouses, and then personalizing them with colorful painting.

"Think along the same lines as Chicago's famous cows, but insert birdhouses, and you've got the right idea," said Sonja Dziedzic, curriculum specialist for visual art.

Next week, the public can get a first hand look at this project. A reception and exhibit of these very special birdhouses will be held on Wednesday, May 7, in Hodges Park, from 4 -5 p.m. About 100 birdhouses will be hung in trees, and the remainder of the colorful creations will be displayed on tables. Residents are welcome to stop by and admire the work of these young artists.

"It's been an extraordinary opportunity for our students, made possible by a $2,500 grant from the District 64 Elementary Learning Foundation, plus lots of help from parent volunteers," Dziedzic said.

Art teachers pre-cut and drilled the wood under the direction of Steve Senf, Emerson Middle School industrial technology teacher.

Art teachers coordinating the project include Fred Klonsky, Carpenter School; Michaela Sorensen, Field; Kathleen Hurley, Franklin; Tara Marolt, Roosevelt; and Georg Luxton, Washington.