by Jennifer | Apr 27, 2017
Created by Damascus High School, Damascus, MD
Artist: Jessie
Title: Freedom Express
Teacher: Mrs. Goldsmith
Theme: Harper’s Ferry scene
Materials and techniques: Graphite pencil, acrylic paints, and Prisma colored pencils.
Did you enjoy this project? Yes, Jessie planned her work accordingly to the time line provided. She appreciated the extended time as it afforded her the ability to add many more details to her painting. Jessi enjoyed meeting with peers to discuss their proposed ideas. She also enjoyed hearing feedback from all the other art students who take classes in the room, as Mrs. Goldsmith displayed her art prior to sending it to the sponsors. Jessi’s art received much favorable criticism from her peers such as “Man, she can really paint!” It made her feel terrific!
About: Jessie is depicting a historic landscape through her use of grey scale imagery throughout her painting. The train has been rendered red so as to place emphasis on the importance of moving forward past the hardship and suffrage of the slaves form the past. We must never forget our past, no matter how hurtful, ugly, shameful or uncivilized the treatment of others may have been. We must never repeat our past indiscretions, rather, we must move forward as a unified, equal band of human beings..
“Freedom Express” suggests that we are all created equal, deserving of exploring our world with equal rights regardless of race, social status, religious affiliation, etc…
The landscape hugs the train in a way that suggests we, as people of all colors and background, must embrace our past, even if our past caused many pain, suffering and detriment beyond words. The land is neutral in color to also suggest that it belongs to all people and that its ultimate beauty lies in the eyes of those who pass through it.
by Jennifer | Apr 27, 2017
Created by Damascus High School, Damascus, MD
Artists: Abby and Gretchen
Title: John Brown’s Sacrifice
Teacher: Mrs. Goldsmith
Theme: Harper’s Ferry Historic Theme
Materials and techniques: Acrylic paints, permanent marker, and Prisma pencils.
Did you enjoy this project? Abby was a backup artist. She had little time to prepare as a result.
About: This work depicts the sacrifice John Brown made for justice through the civil rights suffrage of his people.
by Jennifer | Apr 27, 2017
Created by Damascus High School, Damascus, MD
Artists: Chase and Gretchen
Title: Excellence
Teacher: Mrs. Goldsmith
Theme: Harper’s Ferry piece “From Shackles to Scholars”
Materials and techniques: Acrylic paint, charcoal, and Prisma pencil.
Did you enjoy this project? Yes. Chase enjoyed thinking through the piece and working in the theme so as to make a strong correlation between past & present. Also, the mixed media addition strengthened the overall underlying image such that it provided more depth, detail and emotion. Varied colors used throughout suggest that all colors are necessary in art, as in life, when looking for successful result. In the case of this art piece, success was met through theme & artistic collaboration through mixed media.
About: This piece epitomizes the strength, perseverance, determination and drive possible through belief that no matter how much pain, suffering or adversity an individual or group of individuals endures through time, success is possible!
The theme “From Shackles to Scholars” is depicted in this modern day image of man overcoming the past bondage of slavery and repression (chains) juxtaposed with the impressive accomplish of earning a University degree (clenched diploma).
The “University” text on the diploma scroll is deliberately divided by the man’s hand so as to also suggest the word “Unity”, as in all people or all colors unite to better themselves through higher education, without discrimination based on color, creed, religion or social class.
The blue space behind the figure depicts endless opportunity in a positive light; blue sky also yield happiness and optimism in people.
by Jennifer | Apr 27, 2017
Created by Damascus High School, Damascus, MD
Artists: Elizabeth and Gretchen
Title: The View
Teacher: Mrs. Goldsmith
Theme: Harper’s Ferry Project
Materials and techniques: Graphite pencil, acrylic paint and Prisma colored pencils.
Did you enjoy this project? Yes, considering Elizabeth was a backup artists who took up the art project three days before it was to be mailed, she managed to dedicate herself to the cause. Elizabeth also enjoyed collaborating with regards to the topical added coloration using colored Prisma pencils, she was amazed at how they worked much like paint only more controlled and easy to apply.
Surprisingly, Elizabeth is a 3D artists trained to manipulate clay and other 3D materials. When she took this project on, she was concerned she’d not be able to produce a beautiful replica from the Harper’s Ferry area. She was so excited by her accomplishment that she invited her Mother & visiting grandmother into the Art Studio to view her work. They were terribly proud! A tweet was sent out on twitter to share with the school, Elizabeth’s excitement and the images of all 4 pieces created.
About: This painting was inspired by the beauty located in the Harper’s Ferry region. The fall leave are suggestive of change over time, an analogy to freedom of man breaking away from enslavement.
The church spire in the foreground is suggestive that some individuals find peace & “freedom” from ill thoughts, difficult times and as well as the good times, through their belief in a higher power offering spiritual strength. Nature, God, unity of people is symbolized through the many shades of fall foliage. The distant bridge signified man’s enduring desire to move forward, offering a new beginning and change.
by Jennifer | Apr 27, 2017
Created by Washington High School, Charles Town, WV
Artist: Lauren
Title: Nobel Scholar
Teacher: Mrs. Borkholder
Theme: Education
Materials and techniques: Acrylic paint and chalk.
Did you enjoy this project? Yes.
About: My piece is about the African roots of American slaves and their struggle in their new country.
