Yucaipa art teacher honors President Lincoln

Some of his latest works include religious pieces for Catholic author Robert Sungenis, whose upcoming three books will feature Bennett's art on each of the books' covers.

One of the upcoming covers is portrayed on Sungenis' web site entitled, "The Epistles of Romans and James" which features both St. James and St. Paul on the cover. (Visit www.http://www.catholicintl.com/ to review the art.)

His individual art passion aside, Bennett hasn't forgotten his school. Through Bennett and Principal Jim Stolze's efforts, Canyon Middle School has been designated a Lincoln Legacy School. And the school plans on celebrating President Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday (born Feb. 12, 1809) in February by making it a school-wide event.

A Lincoln portrait contest, art show with ribbons for the best portraits, and poetry and essay writings involving the social studies and English teachers and their students have been planned.

But that's not all. Bennett wants to extend the Lincoln tribute to include his students creating an enlarged version of the Gettysburg Address.

"This would reinforce social studies curriculums, and the students writing skills," Bennett said.

The Canyon Student Council will also be involved by hosting a birthday celebration with cake for Lincoln, and if possible create a banner of the mural portrait of Lincoln, which would be displayed at the school. And added Bennett, a Lincoln Portrait Lesson Plan was sent to the Bicentennial Commission as well as the Illinois Bicentennial Commission.

As far as his personal artwork, Bennett has also delved into the historical / military, greeting cards and calendars, and western genres of art. To see his wide ranging talent visit the following web sites:

• General Patton artwork at: http://www.pattonhq.com/bennett.html.
• http://www.firstcompositegroup.org.
• Abraham Lincoln art at: http://www.lincoln200.net/lincolnimages.
• Mother Theresa poster at: http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?CID=214ABA0651D746BB90E260B48392833E&PPID=1&apnum=1251452&search=72926&f=c&FindID=72926&SearchID=&startat=/getposter.asp.
• http://www.inspirationart.com/posters/9-5142-0011x.html.
• http://www.amazon.co.uk/Theresa-Written-Francis-Religion-Spirituality/dp/images/B000NYR4T8.
• Wyatt Earp book cover at: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Earp-Clan/Nicholas-R-Cataldo/e/9780978818708/?itm=1.