ME!
Azhar Batrane, Pine Hills Elementary, Grade 1

I wanted to create this portrait of me because I used to be afraid to be in school. I thought the kids would laugh at me and I would feel sad because of my Hijab. We read a lot of books about freedom and I was inspired to do this self portrait and I named it ME, because I can wear my Hijab and be gorgeous. I like wearing my Hijab and I feel free and I am proud of who I am. I am free to be me.

Acceptance
Dannetta Mormon, Shenendehowa HS, Grade 11

Red Sparks
Isabella Walker, Van Antwerp MS, Grade 6

This painting represents the people and animals in Ukraine that currently have nowhere to go, and no one with them. This matters because Ukrainians are all alone, and in hiding, and don’t know if their families are okay. My painting has a lot of red tones representing the violence that is happening in Ukraine. The organization UNICEF is currently raising money to help Ukraine. This money will help many people in Ukraine and the animals, too. This also will help reconstruct homes and businesses. Money will go to shelters, too. Please stand with Ukraine.

Life is Tough But So Are You
Isis Jackson, Altamont Elementary School, Grade 4

When people look at my self-portrait, I want them to think life is tough but so are you. I was inspired by my mom and the book Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds. The colors show my family’s favorite colors.

My Asian American Dream School
Margot Danziger, Bethlehem Central School District, Grade 9

I was inspired by the lack of diverse voices in the school curriculum, especially the lack of Asian and Asian American voices. I was trying to express my frustration about the Asian American experience not being a part of the school curriculum or culture. As an Asian American, this lack of Asian and Asian American representation makes me feel unseen, unheard, and left out.

In my 10 years in the school district, I have never read any books by an Asian author or about Asian people or Asian families. I hope that, after reading my piece and looking at my artwork, that school districts are inspired to revise their curriculums to include more diverse voices so that no students have to feel unseen, unheard, and left out. Schools should teach about all people’s cultures and histories.

Seen
Neve Donohoe, Bethlehem Central School District, Grade 9

I created this with the experiences I’ve had as a student with depression and anxiety. This piece is my “dream school,” and in this, it represents students being top priority, students being listened to by everyone. I went into this not putting in my full effort artistically, but still having a meaningful thought behind it. It’s simple and honest. I hope this will be a reality one day. When I made this piece I also thought about how the classes of the future will have to deal with these issues.

With Unity Comes Formation
Olivia Poveda, Guilderland HS, Grade 9

There are many major issues in our world today, including global warming, pollution, poverty, inequality, and more. These issues have been around for years, and many have even gotten worse in recent times. People in our society have become more divided, selfish, and spiteful, therefore forming these issues. When creating this piece, I wanted to symbolize the way that we can reverse this effect. If everyone came together, no matter our differences, we can create change and rebuild our world after tearing it apart for so many years. It is like a puzzle, assembling the pieces together to build a unified whole.

We Must Breathe
Siena Pecora, Corinth HS, Grade 10

This piece’s purpose is to encompass the resilience of any minority or group that has been, and continues to be, oppressed. Each hand holds symbolism; the fist represents black power; the hand holding the Earth shows how we “hold” influence over any being on the Earth, simply referring to the question “Why do some still choose to act with hate in their heart?”; the hand holding the dove symbolizes the peace that each group deserves. The chain & padlock sprawled on the base show “breaking free” of close minded barriers. The friendship bracelets are meant to be a humane touch, breathing life into these plaster arms. Some bracelets have the color of pride flags, which I felt was important to include the injustice towards both different minorities as well as people who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. I hope whoever looks at this piece can feel even a small sense of comfort knowing that they will have support while fighting for their rights and fair treatment.

WOMAN!
Zainab Alfatlawi, Guilderland High School, Grade 9

When I created this piece, there was the main idea first—and how to execute it second. Since I am a quiet person, I think there’s a lot of joy in creating some kind of media where you don’t have to explain so much, that people can understand silently, and relate. As I am writing this, my art isn’t finished. In a way, no piece of content is ever fully complete. For the idea, I wanted to cram in as much as I can. The paper is small, but ideas can vary. If someone reading this is blind or has poor vision, my art piece is a photo of a plus size fat woman. The word fat is an adjective, not an insult–fellow fat person. There’s a hijabi girl with a rainbow flag on the shoulder–ish. I’m not a good writer. When I made this piece, I didn’t have an exact plan. I just went in and did whatever felt right. This is sometimes an obstacle, though I first began with a rough sketch and later refined it. I should’ve laid down base colors first now that I look back. This is because I taped down these magazine letters first. I wanted to add something to my work that is complementary and ties in with the idea. Maybe I went through hell trying to find all appropriate words, and cutting out the letters one by one. I flow with many ideas. In my life, I’ve tried many forms of artistic expression: pencil drawings, chalk, pastels, watercolor, video editing, composing silly graphic design stuff....acrylic painting is the most new to me. Things that help me a lot is taking inspiration from other people’s creations. Each style is unique and derived from the person’s favorite traits of art. It’s the same for me. In the art, I wanted to mash up the different styles. Colored pencils, markers, painting, magazine—those magazine thingies—BY THE WAY! All magazine cutouts used in my piece are from womanwithin.com and roamans.com, inclusive clothing for people, plus size and all (pricey though).

My artwork is to show that there are so many women, so many minorities that are ignored when coming to society standards. I want people to feel a connection to this human piece. And feel at ease with yourself because this world is temporary. I hope this catches the eye of an audience like the ones I’m presenting. I’m not dazzling in any of these talents, I guess, but I’m happy to try and do my best. Thanks so much. –fin