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SOUTHAMPTON - The third-graders at Norris School are getting a taste of Carnival time in Aruba last week.

"I think it's pretty interesting. I would like to go there sometime, maybe. It just sounds cool how they dress up and stuff," said Madeline M. Silverman, 9.

Madeline and her third-grade classmates had just heard a presentation from town resident Sonia R. Hillios, a frequent visitor to the Caribbean island, who photographed the Grand Parade of Carnival on the 50th anniversary of the event in winter 2004.

Hillios, an artist and illustrator, obtained a $400 grant from the Southampton Cultural Council allowing her to bring her colorful photographs to show children, to buy supplies for them to make masks like those used in the parade and to present a show about the island and its Carnival festivities.

Hillios said she hopes to incorporate some of the children's masks with her photographs for an exhibit at Town Hall or the Senior Center.

"It's a seven-hour parade. I was able to get in the midst of everyone (to photograph it). I just want to bring a little of the cultural experience back to the schools and tell the kids about it," said Hillios, whose grandson attends Norris School.

Art teacher Leslie diCurcio said she was happy the children are learning about another culture and learning how to create art relating to it.

"It's always nice for students to talk to new artists to get a different perspective. And, she's talking about the diverse culture of Aruba," diCurcio said.

None of the pupils in the class had been to Aruba, but by the time Hillios had finished her presentation, most of them wanted to go there. Several of them complimented her on her photographs.

"Is it fun being an artist? I want to be one," said Stacia K. Williams, 9.
"It's fun, but it's a lot of work too," Hillios said.
Stacia, who said the costumes people wear for the parade are "cool," picked a turquoise blue background for her mask, as well as a velvety purple feather and sparkling pipe cleaners to decorate it.

"I want to try to make it look really pretty because that's what they do," Stacia said.
Vanessa L. Groeber, 8, said she thinks Aruba would be a nice place to live.
"It seems kind of neat how they dress up in different types of clothes presenting different cultures," Vanessa said.

Michael P. Sears, 9, said he liked the colors and the dancing in the parade.
"I think it's cool they are outside and not sitting on the couch and watching TV," Michael said.