The Miami Herald

Posted on Thursday, April. 20, 2006

WEST KENDALL

Artists teach kids to be earth protectors

BY ANI MARTINEZ
armartinez@MiamiHerald.com

Students from Jane S. Roberts K-8 Center learned that 'Everyday is Earth Day' through vivid drawings and an educational video.

Armed with a Discovery Channel video, colored pencils and intricate drawings inspired by Florida Everglades wildlife, Edwin Villasmil and his wife Elba Martinez brought nature into Jane S. Roberts K-8 Center.

The Venezuelan artists have combined their two passions -- art and nature -- to send out a message in honor of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, founder of Florida's environmental movement, and Earth Day, Saturday, with their slogan, ''Everyday is Earth Day.'' Earth Day's official slogan is "Celebrate Earth Day, Everyday.''

''As communicators of stories through art, we felt responsible to implant a seed in this next generation of kids, making them defenders and protectors of the earth,'' Villasmil said. ``We want to show them that the most important ecosystem is in their backyard.''

Villasmil and Martinez are taking their message to students by showcasing Villasmil's black-and-white paintings and Martinez's earthy sculpture.

''We are going to West Kendall schools because we are from here,'' he said. "You have to shine where you already live.''

The idea of traveling to elementary and middle schools started when Villasmil asked his English teacher, Denise Travis, of Sunset Adult Education Center, where he could talk to students.

Travis, also a kindergarten teacher at Jane S. Roberts, 14850 SW. Cottonwood Circle, said he knew West Kendall schools would be receptive.

''He is sharing his passion with his children by motivating students to get to know an area they may have heard about but are not familiar with,'' Travis said. "Hopefully they take away some of his passion and get on the bandwagon to recycle and preserve their planet.''

Through vivid images of endangered species and neglected wildlife, the couple is educating the students on problems such as pollution and industrial development and coming up with solutions together.

Some students saw the presentation as a call to action.

''Alligators, manatees and other endangered species are depending on us,'' said fifth-grader Christine Gomez, 11. "They all deserve to be there, so I'll do my part.''

The couple hopes to take the educational program to churches, parks and other schools by September, while writing a picture book with few words so younger kids can understand the plight of endangered animals.

The showing of the Discovery Channel video on the Everglades National Park was followed by exclamations of wonder among the students.

Villasmil and Martinez will select several drawings done by the students after watching the video to exhibit at the West Dade Regional Library in August.

While the children drew flowers, flamingos and underwater creatures, Villasmil and Martinez discussed a hot current topic: whether the urban development boundary should be move.

Villasmil explained the situation as simple as possible for the students.

"My wife is the Everglades, I am the county. If I move closer to her, soon there will be nothing left.

'Like Marjory Stoneman Douglas said, `This is the only Everglades we have.' ''