A playground made out of rhinestones and a schoolhouse trimmed with pearls were among the sparkly sights as students at about 40 HISD schools created collages made out of pieces of jewelry for an art show benefiting the SPARK School Park Program.  The nonprofit group helps schools develop their playgrounds into community parks, and has transformed 110 playgrounds at HISD schools alone since 1983.

Click here to view pictures of SPARK Week 2012 artwork and park dedications.

Broken bracelets and tangled necklaces used to create the collages were donated by locally owned accessory chain Charming Charlie. The art was auctioned off at a reception Monday night, and raised a total of $4,000 for the organization to continue developing community parks around the city. SPARK often incorporates art from teachers and local artists celebrating community culture and heritage into park landscaping.

HISD Board Trustee Anna Eastman was in attendance at the reception, and even purchased some artwork for her home. 

“As a parent raising three kids in an urban setting, I value the investment in green spaces made possible by the SPARK program.  Parents, community, school and city all come together and genuinely increase the quality of life with these parks,” Eastman said.  “I feel lucky to have a sparkly piece of art made by children from Looscan Elementary and to get the chance to support the program.”

The reception and auction were part of the celebrations for SPARK Week 2012 from November 9 -13, which included seven new SPARK Park dedications across Houston.  Be sure to stop by the two newest HISD SPARK Parks at Ketelsen Elementary School and Wilson Montessori School.