SD Artist Starts Crane Project For Newtown School

A former elementary arts teacher living in a tiny western South Dakota town is working with local students to send origami cranes to youngsters in Newtown, Conn., as a sign of love and peace.

Lorri Acott, a sculptor in Hill City, has provided a template, instructions and a video that teaches the process of how to fold a paper crane. Students are then instructed to write a personalized message or prayer.

Acott says making the paper cranes, which are a symbol of peace and hope for the future, give both kids and adults a way to help out from afar.

An organization working to coordinate arts-focused donations to the Newtown community says it has received a wide variety of donations, including artwork, photos, music and offers to hold performance events.