Sixty students at Laurel Upper School in Menlo Park met a most unusual group of fellow creatures. John Hale, a reptile specialist, introduced four from his menagerie: Vince, a Red-footed Tortoise; Inky, an Eastern Indigo snake; Froot Loop, an Arizona Mountain King snake; and a Bearded Dragon named Ginger. The students learned facts about reptiles and their care and the trafficking and rescue of endangered species. They then took photos and then created sketches for their final animal portraits. They are now producing portraits of their favorites under the guidance of their art teacher, and we’ll soon post their final works here on our website. The Pet Painter program encourages awareness of animals through science and art. Contact us if you would like to schedule a Pet Painters session for your classroom or club.
John Hale with Inky
Art teacher Summerlyn Burlew with Froot Loop
Student sketching a portrait of Vince
Photo credits: Steven Shpall