We often receive requests for information about the beautiful artwork that adorns the Student Book and Teacher Resource covers. The artist, Fernando Llort, lives in El Salvador, Central America, where he is celebrated as a leader in the art world. His work can be found in galleries, museums, and private collections around the world.
In 1981 Fernando founded an art institution, El Arbol de Dios. Its main purpose is to produce art made from the designs of Fernando Llort, using a variety of mediums, including ceramics, wood, textiles, and leather. Pearson has commissioned El Arbol de Dios to create Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ rosaries and wooden plaques that feature the book cover artwork.
Fernando also founded a nonprofit foundation whose mission is to work with the people of El Salvador to transform lives through art and culture. Fernando's dream is to make art a way of life for him and others, and to always devote his work to God. You will recognize the symbols of the Catholic faith in the Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ cover art.
In every grade, the Unit 1 Introductory Lesson features the art of Fernando Llort and has a cross-curricular connection to The Arts.
Unit 1 Introductory Focus Questions:
Grade 1 How can I learn more about God through art?
Grade 2 How can music and art help me learn more about God?
Grade 3 How can I learn more about our faith community through art?
Grade 4 How can art and music help us learn more about being one Body in Christ?
Fernando Llort has provided a "My Inspiration" letter that explains the cover image for each grade and a list of the symbols found in the program cover art and their meanings. These can be found in the Teacher Resource back matter.
Watch the video below to learn about the beautiful artwork by artist Fernando Llort, and symbols from Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ.