“With fleas or warts or with a silly snout that snorts”
Self-portraits with animal traits inspired by the works of Frida Kahlo
An in-school art program at PS 153 builds literacy skills and self-esteem
Watercolors inspired by the children’s book Little Blue and Little Yellow
A recent Creative Art Works literacy-based art curriculum at PS 153 in Hamilton Heights offered young learners a chance to respond to classic children’s books. Many of the reading selections addressed issues of self-esteem and self-acceptance, such as the earnest I Am Enough, written by Grace Byers and illustrated by Keturah Bobo, and the unapologetically silly I Like Myself, written by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by David Catrow. Both books feature people of color as the main character. (And a line from the latter book inspired the title of this blog.)
Each class began with language arts teachers reading a book aloud or presenting a video based on the book. Students were then given the chance to explore materials and create art directly related to the story in a CAW in-school program. For example, after reading Little Blue and Little Yellow, a book about two friends who are transparent spots of color, written and illustrated by Leo Lionni, students explored primary colors and color mixing.
Student with self portrait inspired by Frida Kahlo
CAW Teaching Artist Melika Abikenari said that one of the books the students loved and responded to the most was Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, written by Monica Brown and illustrated by John Parra. The book is available both in English and Spanish which makes it more accessible for ELL students.
Melika said, “Students enjoyed learning about Frida’s love for animals and the sources of inspiration in her work. They were encouraged to think about an animal or a creature they imagine themselves to be and were asked to use oil pastels and mirrors to create imaginary portraits.”
In addition to building self-confidence and a love of reading, these projects taught valuable academic skills, such as sequencing, lateral thinking, and visual literacy.
The semester-long program concluded with a gallery walk in the school hallway. Students were given a chance to act as docents for their own art.
Student with a diorama
“Students learned to express themselves and self-actualize through different tools and techniques of art-making. I encouraged them to consider applying some or all of the skills they learned to each new project. By creating projects based on books, they learned that one can use various things in school or life as a source of inspiration.”
“The culminating event showcased all the work the students made and reminded them of what they are capable of and how impactful art is. They got to see how each person’s work has its own unique characteristics and quality, and they learned that, when it comes to art-making, there is no right or wrong way. And they got to experience talking about their work and the process.”
PS 153 students were eager to discuss their work with CAW Program Manager Donna Manganello
Gallery of Student Art
This program was made possible, in part, by the West Harlem Development Corporation, and by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
