Schoolchildren Help Create "Living Portrait" Of Obama

By Marcus Gilmer in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 9, 2009 6:35PM

Over 800 children from Alex Haley and Wendell Smith elementary schools got quite a thrill this week by helping artist Daniel Dancer create a "living portrait" of President-Elect Barack Obama. Dancer created an image of Obama on a playground at Alex Haley Elementary and incorporated the students to make up Obama's hair and suit. The catch? Because of the size of the portrait, it can only be viewed from above.

Dancer produces similar 'Art for the Sky' projects around the world, drawing on an ancient art form that originated in South America.

But for the portrait, he's heavy on the symbolism, incorporating recycled cans, and children, referencing the environment and education, issues that are central to Obama's platform.

"He's gotta be able to see the big picture. He's gotta be able to see through the eyes of future generations," said Dancer.

Obama's features have been formed out of three different shades of mulch.

The original portrait will remain on school grounds for the time being, though you may have a hard time finding it under the snow.

Image from ABC 7 video