Temple Elementary School Students Embrace Artistic Expression with Mark Ragonese’s “Wishing House” Project

PETERBOROUGH — Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders and Principal Timothy Iwanowicz are pleased to share that Temple Elementary Students recently welcomed renowned artist Mark Ragonese to create a Wishing House with students earlier this month.

Ragonese visited with students on May 1-2 for an inspiring artistic endeavor that left a lasting impact on both students and staff. Ragonese, serving as the school’s artist in residence, spearheaded the creation of a unique installation dubbed the “Wishing House.”

The project, aimed at fostering creativity and community spirit, allowed students to craft a structure using river driftwood collected from the local area. Adorned with vibrant, handcrafted flags, the Wishing House served as a tangible manifestation of the hopes and dreams of the Temple Elementary School K-4 community.

Each flag was torn from cloth, dyed and embellished by the students, bearing heartfelt wishes for their futures, the well-being of their families and the prosperity of their community. The flags serve as a reminder of the limitless potential found within each student and the power of collective imagination.

Under Ragonese’s guidance, every TES student had the opportunity to contribute to this collective expression of optimism and aspiration.

For Temple Elementary students, the experience of working alongside Ragonese was both educational and empowering. 

Principal Iwanowicz expressed pride in the students’ dedication and the profound message embodied by the Wishing House: “The energy and enthusiasm from the students was truly remarkable. Their creativity and passion infused every aspect of the Wishing House, making it a symbol of unity and positivity for all who encounter it,” he said. “This project not only celebrates artistry but also reinforces the importance of believing in our dreams and supporting one another.”