Granite Connection High School art teachers Clint Whiting and Justin Wheatley were attending a panel discussion at the Utah Art Education Association conference when another attendee raised his hand and asked how he can better engage the athletic-focused students in his art class.

“The picture of Lebron James popped into my head,” Wheatley said. “The idea for a sale quickly followed.”

After discussions and planning with the principal the two teachers moved forward with an art sale where students could purchase original works of art for a low price.

“One of my goals as an art teacher is to educate my students on the joy that can be found in having art in their home,” Wheatley said. “Instead of a bag of Cheetos, a soda, a coffee, or something else, they can take home a drawing, collage, or some other work of art that they appreciate.”

The two teachers reached out online to invite artists throughout the country to donate original pieces. The response was phenomenal, with enough artwork to fill the walls and tables in their classroom.

The art sale proved to be very successful, with dozens of students taking home original works. All proceeds were donated to Granite Education Foundation.