Mars Area students make Liberty Bell projects to recognize A250

May 22, 2026 Last Updated: May 21, 2026 08:37 PM Community

Kindergartener Eloise Tolin draws the Liberty Bell as part of an America 250 themed art project at the Mars Area Primary Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

ADAMS TWP — Artwork from kindergartners at Mars Area Primary Center aims to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary with patriotic projects depicting the Liberty Bell.

Maria Kuchta’s art class spent their time Thursday, May 21, learning about and how to draw the iconic image of the cracked Liberty Bell, but first, Kuchta explained to the group that the bell is a symbol of America, similar to the flag or Statue of Liberty.

“It all depends, you know, every group of kids know different things,” Kuchta said.

A kindergarten student in Maria Kuchta's art class holds up his drawing of the Liberty Bell at the Mars Area Primary Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

Kuchta explained how some children in that age range already know what things like the Liberty Bell are, while others need it explained to them. She said this age group is especially interested and willing to participate.

“They just love being here. They’re willing to do things, and they love it,” Kuchta said. “I mean, truly, every kid is an artist. It’s amazing what they come up with.”

The students started their artwork with a pencil, outlining the bell shape, complete with the crack down the middle. They then followed along with Kuchta as she added the straps and wood that hold the bell up.

Next, it was time to go over the pencil with permanent marker to make the design last.

After the bell was finished, the children drew six lines out from the bell, creating sections to add personalized designs. Students made executive decisions for the background, choosing shapes and lines such as polka dots and zig-zag lines to make it unique.

Kuchta said the project will be colored next. First, oil pastels will be used on the bell. Next, the background will be painted red and blue with tempera cakes, or dry blocks of paint that are activated with water, an art tool the children particularly enjoy.

“They love them, and it’s nice with this age group, just because it’s paint, but it’s less messy,” Kuchta said.

The oil pastels, Kuchta added, work well with the tempera cakes because the two don’t mix, keeping the bell from being altered by the paint. For this to work, the oil pastels must be used first.

Once completed, the bell’s will be displayed in the board room for the summer to commemorate the special occasion and show off the kindergartners’ skills, before being returned to them at the start of the next school year.

Kindergarten students in Maria Kuchta's art class work on drawings of the Liberty Bell as part of an America 250 themed art project at the Mars Area Primary Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

Art teacher Maria Kuchta explains to students a Liberty Bell art activity at the Mars Area Primary Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

Kindergartener Maeve Lynch draws the Liberty Bell as part of an America 250 themed activity during art class at the Mars Area Primary Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

Kindergartener Seher Shekhar draws the Liberty Bell as part of an America 250 themed activity during art class at the Mars Area Primary Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

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Kindergarteners Colton Kundrod, front left, and Ava Gates, right, work on an America 250 themed art project at the Mars Area Primary Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

Art teacher Maria Kuchta explains to students a Liberty Bell art activity at the Mars Area Primary Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

Kindergartener Antonio Randza, left, works on a drawing of the Liberty Bell while his classmate Ronan Shaffer watches as part of an America 250 themed activity during art class at the Mars Area Primary Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler

Matthew Brown

A kindergarten student in Maria Kuchta's art class draws the Liberty Bell as part of an America 250 themed art project at the Mars Area Primary Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

Kindergartener Maeve Lynch draws the Liberty Bell as part of an America 250 themed activity during art class at the Mars Area Primary Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

Kindergarteners in Maria Kuchta's art class give a thumbs up to show they're ready to move on to the next step as they work on an America 250 themed art project at the Mars Area Primary Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown