It’s all about inspiration!

Jessica Torres provides inspiration to her art students at Pakanasink through exposing them to many different artists, art mediums, types of art and art styles. In her binders, she has a vast array of artists and their works. She encourages her students to look through them, as well as the examples that line her walls, and see what gives inspiration.

 

“Inspiration is a feeling of interest or excitement you get from someone or something,” Ms. Torres explained. “Inspiration can lead to new and creative ideas.”

 

 

Throughout February, Ms. Torres provided inspiration with a focus on Black artists to mark Black History Month. The students learned about many renowned  artists, such as Faith Ringgold. Ringgold is famous for her book Tar Beach, which she wrote and illustrated. It is about her life growing up in Harlem where the roof of her apartment building provided a place to have picnics, star gaze and dream of going wherever she wanted to.

 

The students actively participated when Ms. Torres discussed how we all put things into our artwork that tell stories of our lives.

 

 

The art room at PAK is set up in stations. There is paint, collage, drawing, to name a few. Coming in spring is 3D!

 

“Each teacher has her own authentic way to teach,” said Ms. Torres. “It goes back to what artists do – it’s not cookie cutter. I show techniques but it’s their art, their voices.”

 

 

And the artists she exposes them to provide inspiration to each child in their own way.

 

Second-grade students decided what they wanted to create, this particular day. Some drew self-portraits, some painted landscapes. Some used pencils and markers, others paints. They had so many things from which to choose.

 

 

Ms. Torres was inspired by a workshop she took several years ago about teaching to create artists, not just teaching art.

 

“Not everything they create is a masterpiece but it’s part of their growth. They know how to use all of the materials,” said Ms. Torres. “They’re learning to be artists. They’re creating authentic children’s art.”

 

And they’re loving it!