Created by Carroll Creek Montessori Public Charter School, Frederick, MD
Artists: Carroll Creek Upper Elementary
Title: Cornerstone II, Log Cabin
Teacher: Mrs. Reed
Theme: Freedom and Education
Materials and techniques: Acrylic paint, paper, papier Mache collaged on canvas.
Did you enjoy this project? Yes, the collaborative aspect was engaging and learning about the history of Harper’s Ferry and the quilt codes was inspiring.
About: Inspired by the Shackles to Scholars theme and the rich history of Harper’s Ferry, students symbolized the move from slavery to education in their artwork. The Underground Railroad provided the slaves with an avenue towards freedom and is symbolized in the student work using the quilt codes that passengers and conductors used to communicate secretly with one another. Later, as slaves made their way to freedom and education, African Americans found that emancipation was not enough. There was still much work to be done in the fight for equality. These visionaries became the members of the Niagara Movement who’s first meeting in the United States was held in Harper’s Ferry. Their names are written in the corner of each “quilt” as they are the cornerstone of the civil rights movement and the beginning of the NAACP.