When creativity leaves the classroom and enters the heart of the community, magic happens. That’s the idea behind a new student art show at Francesca’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, featuring the portrait work of Woodhaven Upper Elementary fifth graders.
From April 24 through May 8, Francesca’s Brick Oven Pizzeria in Brownstown will host a special portrait art show featuring the imaginative and colorful work of 28 fifth-grade students from WUE. The project is the result of a unique collaboration between WUE Art Teacher Leigh Anne Greene and Francesca Spano-Elawadi, owner of Francesca’s.
Greene created the Art Club to provide students with additional opportunities to create art beyond the classroom. “I wanted to provide an opportunity for students at WUE to pursue making art outside of class and to showcase their work in the community,” she said. “These students were recommended by their teachers and came together in two sessions running from December through April. Each of them completed a whimsical portrait painting on repurposed produce trays from the school kitchen.”
When it came time to find a home for the artwork to be displayed, Greene knew exactly where to turn. “Francesca’s Brick Oven Pizza has supported our schools with fundraisers since they opened,” she said. “The connection between our district and the restaurant made it a perfect space for this exhibition.”
Spano-Elawadi, whose family has four children enrolled in WBSD schools, was eager to support the partnership. “I think it’s wonderful to incorporate the art of the students and the art of small business. There’s so much creativity behind both pizza and fine art - it’s a beautiful way to support each other as a community,” she said.
The exhibit’s timing, coinciding with Cinco de Mayo, is reflected in the bold, festive color palette of the portraits. “It was important to us to tie in those colors and make it celebratory,” Spano-Elawadi noted.
In addition to her background as a business owner, Spano-Elawadi is also a hairstylist with a deep appreciation for artistic self-expression. “I’ve always encouraged kids to be themselves through their hair - bright colors, different styles - and I feel the same about art. It’s a powerful way for kids to show who they are.”
Francesca’s, which opened in July 2022, has quickly become a staple in the Downriver area for its authentic Napoletana-style pizzas. “Our oven is imported from Italy, and we use Caputo ‘00’ flour for a healthier, high-quality dough,” she said. “One of our most popular menu items is the ‘Woodhaven Warrior’ pizza, named in honor of our school spirit.”
Both Greene and Spano-Elawadi hope this collaboration marks the beginning of an annual tradition.
“I’m really proud of what Woodhaven students consistently create in our visual art program,” Greene said. “Visual art is such a beautiful way for students to understand their world. This show lets them see their work valued beyond the classroom.”
Spano-Elawadi agrees. “It’s so important for kids to see that their art matters,” she said. “We hope the community will come out to support them during the art show and see what these talented students have created.”
The student artwork will be on display throughout the restaurant from April 24 to May 8. Don’t miss this inspiring celebration of creativity, community, and collaboration. Be sure to stop in and support both the student-artists and this local small business.
Francesca's Brick Oven Pizzeria is located at 21729 Telegraph Road, Brownstown.
