PS14 Senator John D. Calandra

Home
<
PS14 Senator John D. Calandra

Commissioned by:

NYC DOE

Service:

Art Classes & Educational Workshops

Number of students served:

120 approx.
(5th graders)

Location:

Bronx, New York

Dates:

May – June 2024

The educational program developed at PS14 Senator John D. Calandra, led by Artelatam, was designed as a journey through the history of modern art, where students were not merely spectators but active creators.

Over the course of several months, fifth graders engaged in a series of workshops that bridged the gap between art theory and hands-on practice. The project began with an exploration of Pop Art, using the vibrant language of Romero Britto to help students express emotion through color and bold forms, establishing a foundation of visual confidence.

“Creativity is the bridge between learning and self-discovery.”

As the program progressed, the workshops delved into the Surrealist movement, challenging young learners to look beyond the visible world. By drawing their favorite subjects within the pupil of a hand-drawn eye, students developed their creative autonomy and symbolic thinking. The journey concluded with a study of the Swiss-German artist Paul Klee, specifically focusing on his masterpiece “Castle and Sun”. Through a complex collage activity involving geometric shapes, the students mastered the concepts of unity, balance, and structural composition.

Beyond the acquisition of technical skills, these workshops stand as a testament to the importance of specialized art education in New York City public schools. By introducing elementary students to diverse artistic movements—from the playful to the abstract—the program fostered a learning environment where diversity of thought is celebrated.