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Carole Mikita ReportingSome aspiring young Utah artists received an invitation to meet Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice Tuesday. A musical instrument and patriotism played equal parts in making that possible.
Lady Liberty and the Golden Gate Bridge together symbolize America on a violin.
Two years ago, three students-- then 8th graders at Clayton Middle School-- painted the instrument.
Heather Church/ 'Strings of Diplomacy': "I first wanted to make them do Holland, because that's where my mom's from. But ultimately we decided on the United States."
They volunteered for their art teacher, choosing man-made images for the front.
Kirsten Schiel/ 'Strings of Diplomacy': "On the back we decided to do natural structures, and we have the great arch because it's from Utah. And we have the American bald eagle."
They spent 5 months, two hours after school each day.
Becky Brown/ 'Strings of Diplomacy": "We all really worked as much as we could. You know, it's a small violin. So, we sort of did whatever was in our reach."
Their violin joins an exhibit of 15 called "Strings of Diplomacy: Promoting Harmony Between Nations." Each one represents a different country.
Since this is the only one created by students, and this organization is committed to having them understand diplomacy between nations, the Secretary of State asked to meet personally with the three artists.
Heather Church: "I'd definitely say it's an honor to meet her."
Becky Brown: "Probably asking us how we got into the violin idea, what inspired us."
Kirsten Schiel: "I was really excited to hear she was a pianist as good as she is. So I'm excited to meet her for that reason."
It's definitely different, they say, from just having your art on display at school.
The three students will have a private meeting with the Secretary of State before her breakfast speech to the Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy.
