By Leslie Fuentes
Students at Jack Fields Elementary experienced an inspiring performance titled “Emotion Into Art,” featuring painter and motivational speaker Tom Varano, who captivated the audience of students with a blend of speed painting and storytelling.
During the event, students watched as Varano created three live portraits of iconic figures, including Martin Luther King Jr., the Statue of Liberty and Malala Yousafzai. Accompanying each painting was a curated audio presentation that included music and voice recordings related to each figure.
Varano’s artwork highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to society and have overcome adversity. After completing each painting, he shared stories about the lives and achievements of these remarkable figures.
“Their stories are why I am painting their portraits,” Varano explained. “I want this experience to be educational, allowing students, teachers and principals to understand who these individuals were and the challenges they overcame.”
In addition to showcasing these inspiring figures, Varano delivered motivational messages tailored to students in grades K-5. He addressed important themes such as preventing bullying, the value of generosity, the importance of courage, coping with anxiety, dreaming big and fostering a love for reading.
Debra Magnani, the Principal’s Secretary who helped organize the event, noted the significance of the performance for their diverse student body.
“We are a Title I campus with students from various socioeconomic backgrounds,” she said. “As staff, we show these students love every day, but many of them needed to hear this powerful message.”
Engaging teachers was equally important to Varano to help strengthen the bond between educators and their students.
“My ultimate goal in reaching Title I campuses is to help students understand that their circumstances do not define their future,” Varano shared. “Regardless of the challenges they face—whether economic or social—they can overcome adversity and reshape the course of their lives.”
The performance was designed to be interactive, encouraging students to participate by answering questions for a chance to win prizes like Barnes & Noble gift certificates and mini poster giclées.
“The aim is to connect with the students on an emotional level,” Varano said. “The performance is called ‘Emotion Into Art’ because I want the emotion to resonate through the paintings, the music and the audio clips.”
