Smiles for Sandy Hook Elementary: A Minnesota Children's Art Project

With damaged hearts and bruised minds, we all find ourselves wiping away tears as we recall the horror that occured in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14, 2012. As the news spread across our nation, our hearts sank so deep in our chests, we found ourselves gasping for air.

Between our moments of sadness and our ideas for a solution, we carry an endless desire to heal. In Minnesota, one group of artists has decided to seek out this healing by bringing children together for a day of art.

The event, called "Smiles for Sandy Hook Elementary" was created by the Children's Book Illustrators Guild of MN. The goal of the event is to give Minnesota children of all ages the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Once the art is completed, it will be delivered to Newtown, CT and displayed for the children of Sandy Hook Elementary in hopes of shining some much needed light (and smiles) back on to the community of Newtown.

Donors to the event include Wet Paint/Richeson Art, Minnesota SCBWI, The Bloomington Theatre & Art Center and the Children's Book Illustrators Guild. More information for the event is available on Facebook ( Smiles4SandyHook ) and by going to www.book-illustrators.blogspot.com