part 4 {Libby}

“It’s not nice,” Addison corrected. “It’s brilliant! Who would have thought that such a seemingly simple picture could have such a profound meaning! And not only that, but the conclusions to be drawn from such a work of art are abysmal!” he finished enthusiastically. Mr. Vostras smiled appreciatively.
“So, what are you going to do with it?” Hayden asked, still studying the painting intently.
“I plan to enter it in the “Paint-a-Story” contest at the art gallery downtown,” Mr. Vostras answered, surveying his work with satisfaction.
“Well I’m sure it’ll win something,” Hayden said, encouragingly.
“Even if it’s the “Most Original Idea” award,” Eliana teased. Mr. Vostras just laughed.
“I suppose it is a little different. But still, I think I have a chance.”
“Definitely,” Addison agreed, emphatically.
“Speaking of art,” Eliana said, “What do you think of this sculpture, Dad?” She placed the bust of Teddy Roosevelt on her father’s desk. He raised a quizzical eyebrow.
“A mustachioed Tibetan antelope?” he guessed, finally. The three teens burst into laughter.
“Teddy Roosevelt, actually,” Hayden managed, gasping. Mr. Vostras started to laugh too.
“Whose rendition?” he asked.
“My history teacher, Mrs. Cornwallis’s,” Addison explained. “She was wondering if you could come into our class and help with sculpting.”
“Wait a second. Let me see if I got this right. Your history teacher has taken up sculpting unflattering busts of our presidents and wants me to instruct her class in proper sculpting technique?”
The three looked at each other.
“That’s basically it,” Addison confirmed.
“So … what happened to teaching history in history class?” Mr. Vostras asked.
“I don’t really know. Mrs. Cornwallis said we were having a combined class with the art class.”
“Interesting idea. I’ve only dabbed around in sculpture anyway, you know,” Mr. Vostras answered, rummaging under his desk. “Ah! Here it is.” He placed a plaster bust next to Teddy Roosevelt. “Of course, I made this awhile ago,” he said, dusting the bust off. It was a fat, buck-toothed gopher holding an apple in it’s paws.
“At least it looks like what it’s supposed to be,” Hayden remarked.
“Maybe you could teach us to sculpt gophers!” Addison suggested. Mr. Vostras contemplated that idea.
“I don’t know how that would tie in with the history aspect though.”
“Oh, yeah. I’m sure there’s something in history that has to do with gophers!” Addison insisted.

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