History in their Hands
Sixth-grade student at IS 254 in The Bronx created radial prints inspired by Tibetan mandalas.
“The history teacher informed me that students have been thoroughly enjoying their artmaking projects and are eagerly anticipating them. Even though our class is scheduled for Thursday, they have been asking about it since Monday. ”
Sixth graders at I.S. 254 in The Bronx dive into world history through hands-on art lessons
Student holding up their unique mandala print
At I.S. 254 in The Bronx, sixth-grade students are enhancing their understanding of the ancient civilizations in a dynamic way through different kinds of artmaking. The classroom is decorated with their creations, including a vibrant display of hand prints inspired by Paleolithic cave art, mesmerizing radial prints modeled after Tibetan mandalas, and decoupage maps influenced by a unit on the geography of the Western Hemisphere.
While the work is undeniably beautiful, these art projects represent hands-on learning that integrates with core content from the academic curriculum to yield greater student engagement and a deeper understanding of world cultures.
The learning is intuitive, exploratory, and fun. Getting their hands dirty making clay pinch pots invites students to reflect on how ancient Greeks expressed their societal values through everyday pottery and storage containers.
From the Paleolithic to The Bronx. Making hand prints connects students to one of the oldest art forms in human history.
CAW Teaching Artist Kibrom Araya found that the students really enjoyed creating the radial prints. They loved the freedom of creating whatever patterns they wanted and were eager to see the outcomes. He described the work as “sophisticated and technical.” The projects encouraged students to explore the intersection of math, ancient religions, and art.
In another project, the students created mixed-media collage maps of their neighborhoods. They learned about different perspectives, developing map keys and symbols, practiced using directions, and discovered how essential mapping was to early civilizations—both for storytelling and survival.
Creative Art Works’ programs create opportunities for growth, collaboration, and self-expression. By inviting students to share their unique perspectives and connect class content to their lived experiences, we help nurture curiosity and the confidence to explore. For students with special needs, particularly those with individualized education plans, tactile learning methods are especially impactful. These approaches support different learning styles, making creative exploration more accessible and meaningful.
“During one class period, I teach special ed students in a self-contained classroom. Their excitement for the class has increased over the semester. Even the students who are inherently reserved were actively engaged and really enjoyed the process of making their pinch pots.”
Responding to art from the past
Students at I.S. 254 explored history and world cultures through hands-on artmaking. Shown above, they crafted clay pinch pots, designed vibrant mandalas on coffee filters, and collaborated on cut paper maps.
Teaching Artists and Program Staff
Kibrom Araya, Teaching Artist
Donna Manganello, Program Manager
Riki Sabel, Program Manager of Teaching and Learning
Madeline De León, Program Coordinator
Emilio Vides-Curnen, Operations Coordinator
This Creative Art Works program is supported, in part, by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Immigrant Initiative in partnership with the NYC Council and Council Member Oswald Feliz. This Creative Art Works program receives support from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Creative Art Works’ school-based programs also receive support from the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation.
