Julius West Middle School, Rockville, MD

Julius West Middle School, Rockville, MD

by | Apr 12, 2017

Created by Julius West Middle School, Rockville, MD

Artists: Ayanna, Christina, Scout

Title: A Light in the Darkness

Teacher: Ms. Dwyer

Theme: Bravery and independence

Materials and techniques: We used the fabric sent to us and cardboard, hot glue, charcoal and colored pencil.

Did you enjoy this project? Yes, but it took us five straight weeks to complete.

About: Our artwork is about John Brown, an advocate who fought for the freedom of slaves on Harper’s Ferry.

Carroll Creek Montessori Public Charter School, Frederick, MD

Carroll Creek Montessori Public Charter School, Frederick, MD

by | Apr 11, 2017

Created by Carroll Creek Montessori Public Charter School, Frederick, MD

Artists: Carroll Creek Upper Elementary

Title: Cornerstone I, Wagon Wheel

Teacher: Mrs. Reed

Theme: Freedom and education

Materials and techniques: Acrylic paint, paper, papier Mache collaged and painted 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.