Coolest art project ever

So, yesterday, I visited Troy Buchanan High School, which is in Troy, MO, which in case you are curious is a bit north and west of St. Louis. This was part of a Writer’s Week, where they invite local authors to come speak to their students and also allow student and faculty to showcase their writing — it’s a pretty big deal, very well organized, and I really enjoyed it.

Plus! The art students get involved.

This is a ceiling tile — ceiling panel? — whatever they are called. The picture was painted by a senior high school student and it is FABULOUS.

Every author who visits gets a ceiling tile, and then after the Writer’s Week events are over, the ceiling tiles are set into place in the library ceiling.

I noticed both Antony John and Brian Katcher had ceiling tiles from previous years — this year, Antony John was there the same day I was, but unfortunately I couldn’t stay all day, because I would have liked to meet him. I really liked his contemporary YA FIVE FLAVORS OF DUMB, but didn’t know till I saw his waiting ceiling tile that he also has a dystopian series in progress. I’ll have to check that out. You trip over YA dystopias everywhere you turn these days, I know, but in fact I haven’t read a huge number of them, so I’m not burned out.

Brian Katcher wasn’t there this time, but was in a previous year — probably he will be next year, since his new book will be out. You may recall that I really admired his book ALMOST PEFECT, and I do have his earlier title downstairs on my TBR pile, but I haven’t read it yet. I will probably wind up getting his newest book when it comes out, reading that one, and then finally going back and reading the first (PLAYING WITH MATCHES).

I think it would be fun to make sure we are all there next year and then get together for dinner or something. And I should really look up the other authors who were there, because who knows, maybe I would like their work, too.

Anyway, the kids were great, the involvement of the art department is so cool, and I am still floored by that fabulous ceiling tile, and the entire ceiling.