The GWHS crew, Carlos, and I started our first project focusing on "meditative sounds" giving the students a task to create their own cover art (using www.canva.com) and to curate 2 playlists: one focusing on instrumental meditative sounds and the second "soundtrack of our lives".  Afterward, we facilitated a listening party and invited New Sullivan and the CAPE family to enjoy listening to the soundtrack to our lives.

Below are the students' cover art, and a couple of songs listed on our playlists. We hope you enjoy!

Featuring our special guest artist, Ms. Anita Easterwood!

Our paint and vibe project consisted of drawing a silhouette onto an 11x14 canvas. We then met with Ms. Easterwood virtually via google meet to learn different painting techniques and styles using acrylic paint. It turned out to be a fantastic event in which our cape students gained hands-on instruction from a professional artist.  

Anita Easterwood is a Kansas City Artist who recently finished a Black Lives Matter Mural with her father. We spoke about her process as an artist, identity, and the impact that her art has in Kansas City and Art community. 

This project was very experimental, but our students really were interested in engaging with other high school students. Luckily both Dyett and George Washington High School were open to connecting! 

We started out really informal asking questions about who they are and what their favorite music was and then it transitioned into the idea of recreating different sections of the music that we personally love. We selected the order of music videos randomly (simlar to the Cunningham technique) and focused on our "mood boards" and executing our videos. 

Below is our finished product! 

GWHS decided to participate in conversations about the following: 

1. What is Identity?

2. What does home mean to me?

3. What brings you joy/ sparked joy?

We thought that one of the best ways to answer these questions was through a photo essay! It allowed our students the autonomy to decide who they were, defined what home means to them, especially after being isolated due to the pandemic (home as a refuge) as well as things that spark joy in their lives.

In our last project, we explored mindful practices by creating our own affirmations. Below are affirmations created by the George Washington High School students and we are so proud of the positive self-talk that our students made for themselves. Positive self-talk really impacts our moods and how we view ourselves. We encourage you to create your own affirmations!

Below are our affirmations from our students!