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"Art
has changed my life. One way is that it has stopped me from
failing in school and from getting into deep trouble at
home. Now, when I am bored or I don't have something to
do, I will paint or draw." |
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ArtEsteem's "Self as Super Hero" Class
ArtEsteem is an after-and in-school program of Attitudinal Healing Connection, Inc. (AHC), a nonprofit based in West Oakland. ArtEsteem promotes the development of self-expression, community building, self-esteem and academic and emotional literacy through the arts. AHC serves students ages 6-14 who live or go to school in West Oakland. In 2003-2004, ArtEsteem's "Self as Super Hero" classes were offered to students in four schools at two West Oakland locations, Lowell Middle School and Mount Robinson Baker YMCA. The curriculum was inspired by children's need for personal heroes. ("Heroes" are defined as exceptional individuals or beings that inspire, protect and promote justice and the well being of the environment, people and animals.) As part of the class, students were encouraged to imagine themselves as super heroes. This exercise required self-exploration and research into families and cultures. The super heroes that students created as a result of this exercise were positive forces that would help establish a more loving and peaceful world. Finally, over 80 students created watercolor self-portrait super heroes, 14 life-size self-portrait super heroes, 8 masks and 10 super-hero descriptions to be displayed in traveling exhibitions. Additionally, a select group of students participated in a community forum about why art is important to them. |
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