Danbury Students Showcase Their Talent at Broadview

Walking through Broadview is like walking through an art museum.

“Teachers Jeanette Draper and Monica Ramos work incredibly hard to make our lobby look inviting and exciting to enter and walk through every day. They curate the amazing work of their students and find creative ways to showcase their talents with the displays,” shared Devin Samaha at Broadview Middle School.

Draper and Ramos are determined to make kids feel comfortable and welcome in school by being able to express themselves through art. Many of the budding artists enjoy sharing their culture.

“I chose this to paint because it is part of my culture. My artwork being displayed makes me feel good about it because I got to share stuff about my culture throughout the painting. Usually, we wear those clothes whenever we do a traditional dance. Whenever a woman wears those clothes it would be called “Chola Cuencana.” This comes from Cuenca, Ecuador. I have always had an interest in art so when we got to do the project it was great! I love the experience and I like how it got displayed. I love to see people in general just looking at the artwork I created. It took time but in the end, it was worth it!”

Students walking through the art museum have commented;  

“I like it a lot. I like seeing students’ work and not just an office.”

“It makes the school more enjoyable!”

The work of all the art students is displayed throughout the museum. Draper and Ramos are proud of the students and their accomplishments. When creating their pieces, the students must come up with an idea, develop that idea, execute it, and then must present it. Along their art journey, there is a lot of decision-making, collaboration, and building of skills. Draper and Ramos are very proud of their students who are taking a risk because everything they do can be seen. This can be very intimidating. However, the sense of pride the students feel with their finished product is very empowering.

What’s even more amazing is that the students start with recycled materials. Some may call this trash but Draper and Ramos see this as an opportunity. With limited resources, students must “think out of the box.” They must be resourceful, use their imagination, and adapt to come up with and further develop their idea into the story they want to be told. As the students plan and organize their idea into a finished product, they are applying skills and improving.

“It makes me feel accomplished because I put my best effort into my sculpture. I’m reminded of my work every day because I see it every morning when I come to school.”

The art showcase is changed several times a year. Earlier in the school year, the 8th-grade students used art to educate others on Hispanic heritage. In 7th grade, students are focusing on surrealism by depicting familiar objects in unfamiliar, unexpected contexts. Six-grade art classes build a foundation of skills with quick projects where the student’s artwork evolves.

Through art classes, students are learning problem-solving, critical thinking, innovation, communication, presentation skills and so much more including how to receive and incorporate feedback into their ongoing work. All life-long skills that these students will take with them into high school and beyond.

Draper and Ramos are making a difference for our students. Thank YOU!

 

D
Submitted by Danbury, CT

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