By Amy Zimmer
DNAinfo News Editor
UNION SQUARE — Famous artists Christo, of Central Park's "Gates" fame, and Milton Glaser, creator of the iconic "I Love NY" logo, both had a hand in the city's newest public art exhibition.
But it wasn't their work that was unveiled Thursday at a ceremony in Union Square Park.
The new showcase works were created by students at 10 middle schools — two in each borough. The students transformed lunchroom tables into colorful tableaus addressing such social issues as bullying, violence, immigration and nutrition.
"We always like to talk to young people about art," said Christo.
Part of the Learning through an Expanded Arts Program, the tables are slated to be placed in parks near each school. It's the largest student art exhibit in the history of the Parks Department, officials said.
Students from the Upper East Side special ed school 169M on E. 88th Street, worked with Christo to create a table that takes aim at homelessness. It will be placed in Central Park, near the basketball courts at the East 85th Street entrance.
The work was inspired by a homeless man named Kenny who landed on the streets due to drug addiction. He urged the students to stay in school.
"We interviewed Kenny," said Jasmine Dixon, of 169M. "It was raining but he was sitting in the street with his hands stretched out."
Art is "as important as math or science," said painter and sculptor Audrey Flack, who worked with students at 188M, known as the Island School, on East Houston Street on the Lower East Side.
"Art develops your brain. You develop skills. You can express yourself," she said.
The table created by 188M will be placed in Sara D. Roosevelt Park between Christie and Forsyth streets.
It was used as a canvas for a "choose your path" Monopoly-like game. For example, if you get good grades or hug your mom, you move forward, but if you take drugs, you head to jail.
"When you look at the tables, you see the creativity, the energy, the positive flow," said Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott. "That's something to celebrate every day."
He added: "I believe in what you are doing. I talk about you all the time."
Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe called the student art an inspiration to the whole city.
"It's extraordinary," Benepe said. "Each one has something so cool going on."
