8th graders from DSST: Conservatory Green Middle School will showcase their original art creations that celebrate women who catalyzed positive change.
The 8th graders at CG MS have been working with diligence throughout the month of January on a unique research-based art project titled W.O.W. (Women of Worth), that focuses on African American women, and women in general, who showed initiative to support change for their greater community.
This project is grounded in the idea of Sankofa, a metaphorical symbol used by the Akan people of Ghana that expresses the importance of reaching back to the knowledge gained in the past, and bringing it to the present to affect positive change.
Sankofa is generally depicted as a bird with its head turned backward, taking an egg from its back.
During Amer Randall’s 8th grade Social Studies class, students researched and investigated how the historical and environmental circumstances of notable women sparked a flame within them to challenge the status quo and norms of their times.
The class partnered with local artist Adri Norris, who supported them throughout this project and taught them collage techniques to bring their art to the next level.
Adri Norris gives some pointers to two 8th grade students
This Saturday, February 8th, at 6:30 PM, students will kick off their W.O.W. Art exhibit at Coffee at the Point, where it will be displayed for two months. Students will not just have the opportunity to show off their work, but also sell it, at this Five Points cafe.
A sneak peek of the collages that will be on display
The students will introduce their art, and some will share original poetry that they wrote about their creations. All are welcome to enjoy a warm drink, hang out and be inspired!