South Orangetown Central School District

Over 600 colorful pinwheels with images and messages of peace are currently on the front lawn of William O. Schaefer Elementary School as part of their annual Pinwheels for Peace art installation!

The project is part of a tradition originally started in 2016 by WOS Art teacher Liz Piteo in celebration of the International Day of Peace (September 21). WOS art classes spent the first few weeks of school designing their own pinwheels and yesterday morning, Piteo created the school-wide art installation in the shape of the peace sign on the front lawn of WOS.

Piteo’s art class, along with several other classes, gathered on Monday to view the installation and talk about the meaning of peace. “We organize this art project every year because we want to show our community that we support world peace. I want you all to be super proud that your artwork is part of this art display and that you all came together to create something special,” said Piteo. When asked what they think of when they hear the word peace, students said that they think about being kind, taking care of their friends and working together.

WOS kindergarteners and art teacher hold up peace signs in front of Pinwheels for Peace art installation on WOS front lawn