Our Partnership
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Appreciation
Step Into Art with Mother Caroline Academy 6th Graders
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Step Into Art with Mother Caroline Academy Sixth Graders, 2022-2023
Step Into Art and Mother Caroline Academy are proud to present this exhibition of paintings and writing created by sixth graders participating in our annual partnership program, now celebrating its 15th year.
In an eight-month collaborative program led by the nonprofit Step Into Art, Mother Caroline sixth graders actively engaged with paintings by contemporary artists Kehinde Wiley and Ekua Holmes, and assumed several important roles: viewer, artist, and writer.
The students drew particular inspiration from the Kehinde Wiley quote, “What is portraiture? It's choice. It's the ability to position your body in the world for the world to celebrate you on your own terms.” Informed by spirited sessions of art-viewing and discussion at the Harvard Art Museums and at school, the students went on to create meaningful paintings of their own that honor their identity and individuality.
The students began their work as artists by brainstorming values, interests, and memories along with visual symbols that would infuse their portraits with rich content. They then drew inspiration from the vivid collages of Roxbury-based artist Ekua Holmes by gathering materials of personal significance like newspaper clippings, fabrics, and handmade papers that they planned to collage into their own artwork. Next, the students posed for photographs, and used the printed images to create line drawings that they later painted with watercolor. The final step was to combine all three layers: painted canvas backgrounds, watercolor portraits, and collage pieces. The resulting portraits embrace “Kehinde Wiley magic,” with elements of the background enveloping the figure in a fanciful atmosphere of color and texture.
Reflecting on their portraits, the students expressed themselves in new ways as writers, too. They created poetic artist statements to accompany their paintings.
Enjoy the students’ creativity—
Step Into Art with us!
Kehinde Wiley
Portrait of Asia-Imani, Gabriella-Esnae, and Kaya Palmer, 2020
The Tim & Danny Art Foundation
Kehinde Wiley
President Barack Obama, 2018
National Portrait Gallery
Ekua Holmes
Golden, 2009
Collection of the Artist
Ekua Holmes
Girl - Literature, 2009
Step Into Art is grateful for the opportunity to run this partnership with Mother Caroline Academy fully in person once again this school year. Dedicated teachers and staff as well as generous supporters made this program and online exhibition possible. Our deep appreciation extends to everyone involved.
The Step Into Art partnership program with Mother Caroline Academy represents a true collaboration, and many contributed to this program during the 2022-2023 school year. From Step Into Art: Lindsey Kocur, Visual Art Manager; Susan Foster Jones, Senior Educator; Courtney Cole, Lead Teacher; Hannah Varden, Teaching Artist; and Abby Rischin, Founder and President. From Mother Caroline Academy: Kiera Powers, Art Teacher; Lousillia Bailey, Art Teacher (2022); Hanna Shibles, English Teacher; Gabriella Pesce, Principal; Marie Louise Greenidge, Director of Development; and Annmarie Quezada, Head of School.
Finally, we wish to thank you for visiting this exhibition, giving the students a true audience for their creative work.
With Appreciation
Angeliz
Gemstones
My portrait celebrates how I feel about myself.
Come see how I represent myself.
Come hear the waves.
When I created this, I wanted to express the fact that we should all know our true worth and to never forget.
I chose ”Gemstones” because I think that represents the way I shine as myself in this portrait.
This portrait makes me feel like I am myself and I should always cherish that because when you don’t cherish yourself you can easily forget who you are.
When you step into my portrait, I hope you take a very important lesson away from this. Thank you.
Step Into Art with me!
Anne-Sagine
The Beauty of Who I Am
Hello, my name is Anne-Sagine and this is my portrait. It celebrates my religion, my hobbies, the types of decorations I like, and my nationality. Come and see the seashells and sea glass, they represent my love for the beach. Come and hear the muffled sounds the feathers make when a breeze goes by. It’s very soft, so you have to listen. It’s light and delicate, but in a good way. It represents my personality at times, how I’m delicate but strong. Come closer and find the cross which represents my faith, the two mini books, the heart, feathers, and sequins. All that represents how I love cozy and sparkly things. The heart represents that I’m both a lover and a fighter, because to be a lover, you have to fight for it. For example, when my friends and family are wronged and can’t stand up for themselves, I do it for them, just so they’ll be happy. I chose feathers to show that I love soft things, and soft, calming sounds. The flag represents my country and my language. I even learned from my parents that my first words were in Haitian Creole. Even the way I positioned the picture of myself shows how I act when you get to know me. This portrait makes me feel calm and happy because it reminds me of who I am and everything I like. When you step into my portrait, I hope you feel calm and happy as well, and I hope that after this you won’t be afraid to express yourself as well. Step into art with me!
Caleah
Blue Skies
My portrait celebrates who I am.
Come see what lies inside like my big heart and my prettiness.
Come hear my funny jokes.
Come closer and look at the feathers.
I chose feathers because they are pretty.
I chose feathers because I’m soft.
When I created this, I wanted to express my favorite color – light blue.
This portrait makes me feel good because I like it.
I like it because it’s pretty and blue.
When you step into my portrait, I hope you appreciate it.
Step into art with me!
Divine
Stars in the Purple Sky
My portrait celebrates my love for the color purple.
Come see this dazzling and dramatic portrait.
Come hear the colors.
Come closer and notice the amount of effort I put into this.
When creating this, I wanted to express my love for purple and blue.
I chose lots of stars because it really brings out a dramatic explosion. It’s like looking at the stars at night and one of them exploding.
This portrait makes me feel happy because the stars remind me of an explosion in cartoons. I love cartoons.
When you step into my portrait, I hope you realize that you’re gonna do this someday, once you get to 6th grade.
Step into Art with me!
Emma
Step into My Shoes
My portrait celebrates my fascinating interests.
Come see how I do me.
Come hear the symphony of my music that is filled with relaxation.
Come closer and discover what happens on the inside.
When creating this, I wanted to express me and how I feel about certain things.
I chose gems because I shine brighter than the brightest star.
This portrait makes me feel good about myself because it makes my confidence over the roof and makes me feel free.
When you step into my portrait, I hope you step into my shoes to see what I am compared to others.
Step into Art with me, why don’t you?
Jayline
What Makes Me, Me
My portrait celebrates who I am as a person. I am a strong, loving, funny, and nice person.
Come see my portrait and you can find feathers, hearts, crystals, sequins, me.
Come hear the wind, piano, harp, and recognize the beauty of my art and who I am.
Come closer and you will find sea glass and sticky diamonds.
I chose the title “What makes me, me,” because I want this art to show who I am and what I like.
My art makes me feel a little safe and calm because it shows how I look and who I plan to become.
When you step into my art, I hope you see who I truly am: a wonderful artist.
Lizzie
Ocean Life
My portrait celebrates the ocean and all the little creatures in the ocean.
Come see the coral reefs and little fishes.
Come hear the waves.
Come closer and discover the cute jellyfish.
When I created this, I wanted to express the ocean.
I chose “Ocean Life” because I love the beauty of the ocean.
This portrait makes me feel calm because of the sounds of the waves.
When you step into my portrait, I hope you enjoy the underwater view.
Step Into Art with me!
Saida
California Girl
My portrait celebrates my happiness and my personality. You will see a new type of design that is uniquely me. Come hear the smooth sound of R & B with a mix of Katy Perry. Come closer to search for the details of mystery, something you might not know, something to learn. When creating this I wanted to express myself with fun colors and unique shapes that show another side of me, my fun and expressive side. I chose feathers because they are soft and pillowy, which represents me sometimes. This portrait makes me feel happy because it represents my unique artistry. When you step into my portrait, I hope you cherish it and find it creative. Step into Art with me!
Yamilee
Me, Myself, and I
My portrait celebrates me, myself, and I, and my accomplishments.
Come see my version of my happy place/my chill place.
Come hear the loud sound of silence almost making me go crazy.
Come closer and imagine how your happy place makes you feel, how it looks, and how it sounds.
When I created this, I wanted to express myself and how I feel.
I chose feathers because of the soft texture and the way they match my underwater navy blue theme.
This portrait makes me feel content like the calming waves of the ocean.
When you step into my portrait, I hope you can find your little happy space.
Step into Art with me!