Let us share more about the afterschool activity Kids.Think.Art organized this summer at the Martin Luther King Elementary School in Dorchester. This activity is centered around the work at Artist Akili Ron Anderson.
This week’s artwork and artist reflects the power of manifestation in the small world we live in. In elementary school, I had decided to become an art teacher. It was the only art job I could think of beside a professional artist. I was not completely confident in my decision as the adults around me insisted I choose another path that would guarantee success and income. Now that I’m teaching art to students, it is a full circle moment.
I also am very happy to teach the art thinkers about artists who are alive and thriving. They are excited about an artist they could potentially meet in person. The Victory Skylight Window serves a similar purpose, a potential for spiritual and cultural happiness.
The window is in a church, giving it religious value but it is also hidden within the artwork. I know from being in his class that Akili like to hide symbols, objects, and animals within his artwork. It gives the viewer the opportunity to determine the subject while still presenting an intended subject.
The students took a liking to that concept and were ready to create. The activity used transfer paper to create a window-like effect. Once the students found out that the paper was transparent, they couldn’t stop running to a window with their artwork.
I must wonder if Akili enjoys watching his students learn new things as much I did. And if he learns new things from them, I might try to make artwork using transfer paper, seeing what the art thinkers created.
This blogpost is by Kristel Boursiquot
Kristel Boursiquot is a Howard University student as well as an artist from Maryland. At Howard, she is currently studying art therapy, the intersection of art and psychology. Her goal as an artist is to be an educator and research what drives people to be creative. She is happy to lead art thinkers through experiences where belonging meets art.
Kids.Think.Art 