Help me give my students a Windows and Mirrors Social Justice Studio for portrait mixed media painting. This is a small art center that focuses on identity, self-esteem and social justice.
I have a special bond with the students I serve a Fickett. Not only did my brother and I attend Fickett in the 80s, my mother taught here for 25 years and retired from Fickett as well. I am the art teacher here and my kinship with some of my students' families stretch well over 20 years. Our school is nestled in the close knit Ben Hill community that has a rich history stretching back to the Civil Rights era.
Our art class is a brave space where we integrate social emotional, social justice and self-awareness through art making.
Many of them proclaim that it's their favorite class. We often paint and design with paper crafts and mixed media and we learn about famous artists as well - but, I'd love to create a focused space that explores the relationship between self, art and community so that they feel, think and create with a stronger sense of identity, awareness and art making.
My Project
During our unit on Identity, we will have an in-depth artist study of Amina Brenda Lynn Robinson's work. Like Amina, we will explore ourselves as unique individuals. Students will have the opportunity to engage themselves in our Windows and Mirrors Space.
This well equipped space near two big windows will provide mirrors, markers, paint, heavy duty paper, brushes, glue, hot glue, mod-podge and an assortment of feathers, beads, strings, gems, etc to mimic the works of Robinson through exploring our own faces as we see ourselves and as other's see us.
We will design works that express our beauty through our own eyes, discovering unique ways to express our attitudes and appearance through art and design.
Many African American children struggle to accept the natural beauty in their skin, hair texture and facial features. We will explore some identity issues that are prevalent in our community and use self-portraits to open the door to a renewed sense of self-esteem, pride and confidence.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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