Bulkeley Middle School and the Education Network for Teachers & Artists (ENTA) collaborated again for “Taking A Stand: Art for Social Change.” BMS and ENTA have worked together on this project since 2013.
Eighth graders in English language arts class chose a past or current social change movement or outstanding leader to begin researching, and come up with a message and opinion before creating a piece of art to convey their message and opinion.
Artists from ENTA, based in Rhinebeck, met with students initially to discuss the project and returned following the research to discuss how to turn the research into an art piece.
The artwork was displayed in the hallway by the high school gymnasium and auditorium for a few weeks following a public opening, which was the most attended opening event, even though it was delayed due to weather.
“They picked topics that were very interesting and diverse that I had not seen before,” said Dee Kaake, BMS ELA teacher. “They had a great time creating the projects. There had a combination of stress and pressure because there was a time constraint, but they had a good time with the hands-on piece of it.”
Students chose topics such as the Emancipation Proclamation, Kent State shootings and Equal Pay Act of 1963. They also selected individuals such as William Tyndale, first person to translate the Bible into English; and past and present sports figures such as basketball great Bill Russell, and soccer stars Megan Rapinoe and Marcus Rashford.
Students wrote a short paper to explain their topic, art piece and opinion to accompany their art.
The process took several weeks for students to complete.
“Many of them start out saying I’m not an artist,” said Kaake. “I don’t know how I’m going to do this. With the help of the artists that come in, they make their visions happen and to see the pride on their faces as the products evolve is spectacular.”
Indy Gild’s project focused on the Supreme Court case, Loving vs. Virginia, where the court unanimously ruled state bans on interracial marriages unconstitutional, ending state laws banning marriages between people of different races.
Gild’s art piece has intertwining hands of different colors to display the couple’s love, a gavel to symbolize the court and a handmade book cover titled “Justice for Love.”
“I learned that two people can impact millions, and even though it took years out of their life, it was worth it for their love to be shown,” said Gild, adding, “I love what I did. Even though it was difficult for me, I still would do it again.”