"Fifth-graders, 2 groups create mural for school," www.herald.com, by Daniel Blanco, June 18, 2000

CREATIVE THINKING: Leonardo Thompson shows his designs. The 12-year-old says one of his cards was used as the basis for the mural.

A chance meeting at the Port of Miami led to the creation of a monster-size mural that adorns the side of Ludlam Elementary.

Titled "Ludlam Elementary is Out of This World," the 60foot long montage of planets and space scenes can be seen by anyone driving near Ludlam Road and Sunset Drive.

The mural was a collaboration by Ludlam Elementary fifth-graders and two groups, the nonprofit Kidventures and Kidco, a company that makes murals and furniture for kids.

The creation of the mural was pure fate. Frank Senti and Mark Shultz, owners of Kidco, were visiting the Carnival Cruise ship Ecstasy to photograph murals they had painted.

They spotted a group of 37. South Miami Ludlam Elementary fifth-grade students wearing T-shirts With the logo ART BY KIDS.

The words: had special meaning to Senti and Shultz.

"Our company specializes in creating imaginary worlds for children," Senti said. "Many of the scenes that we create in kids' bedrooms are really realistic. It's a time consuming process, and we realize that it's not affordable for everyone. That's why we feel it's so important to give back to the community, so a larger audience of young people can also benefit. This was the perfect opportunity to do so."

WORDS OF WISDOM: Mark Schultz, talking to a fifth-grade class at Ludlam Elementary, helped create the massive mural, designed by students, that adorns a wall at the school.

And the kids on that field trip were no ordinary students - they were young entrepreneurs at work.

The students have their own greeting cards business, designing cards that they sell at various school functions and throughout their communities.

Alice Horn, program director of Kidventures, said the idea is to expose children to business skills including advertising, marketing and accurate record keeping.

After Senti and Shultz approached. the kids, Kidco, Kidventures and the young entrepreneurs came together to create the massive mural, which was designed by students and brought to life by the two artists.
Palmetto Ace Hardware also donated nearly $400 worth of paint and supplies.

Among the fifth-graders who worked on the mural was Leonardo Thompson. He had the winning design that would become the focal point of the mural, a heart-shaped planet earth straddled by a smiling star child.

Other portions of the mural added by fellow classmates included planets, stars and space creatures.

"I got the idea because I like planets more than anything," said Leonardo, 12. "I thought this would be good for a Mother's Day card. I like the program, and it will give me a good memory of the two years I spent in the business."

The mural was dedicated Wednesday. To thank the artists, the Kidventures students decided to donate some of the money they made from the greeting cards to Senti and Shultz.