Students Examine Social Issues through Artist-in-Residence Program

Action Arts - Positive Change through Artistic Action is a ten-week pilot program between Facing History and Ourselves and Beacon Academy where master artist Chandra Dieppa Ortiz, is working with students to deepen their understanding of history, social justice and the difficult decisions everyday people make in taking a stand.

The students are creating personal narratives that weave in community and historical details that illustrate the connection of the individual to positive social action. Students are building several mixed media collages which will connect to become the walls of their homes. During this course, Ms. Ortiz will share her process and methods with the students, which consist of researching primary sources, discussing memories with communities, and building up layers of meaning and color, while referencing the role of storytelling.

All 21 Beacon Academy students are involved in the class running from January through May 2007, which will introduce them to art concepts, studio practice, interdisciplinary connections and instruction in visual arts.