Photo by Caydie Heller
But this wasn’t an ordinary art show.
This was Woodbury Creating Change, a
biennial all-school event that uses art to
make a difference in the community.
By evening’s end, the 1,100-plus
handmade mugs would help raise more
than $8,500 for four Cleveland-area
not-for-profit organizations.
The atmosphere was festive, as the
more than 1,000 in attendance picked
a mug for a contribution of $5 to $10
then headed to the school’s cafeteria to
nosh on goodies and to pose for “mug
shots” with photographers from Shakerbased
MotoPhoto & Portrait Studio.
Tables brimmed with treats from more
than 25 area restaurants, chefs, bakeries,
and markets, including Shaker-based
J. Pistone’s, Simply Delicious Pies, and
Lucy’s Sweet Surrender.
In the auditorium, a performance
put on by students and Groundworks
Theater, called Poetry in Motion, provided
entertainment. And in the library,
attendees chatted with representatives
of the not-for-profits chosen to share the
money raised that evening.
For Woodbury’s students, it was
a powerful lesson in their capacity to
create change in their corner of the world.
“They feel a part of something big,” says
Woodbury art teacher Deanna Clemente
Milne, who spearheaded the event. “They
see that this is what happens when a
community comes together.”
James, Makol, and Alexander – three of the Sudanese “Lost Boys” who helped educate
Woodbury students about the plight of Sudanese refugees ‐ were guests of honor at the
event. Two of the events’ four designated charities provide aid to the people of South Sudan.
Photo by Caydie Heller
Woodbury students, in partnership with Groundworks Theater, entertained audiences with
a performance called Poetry in Motion. Photo by Caydie Heller
SHAKER LIFE | SUMMER 2014 47