The creative juices are flowing at Arbor Hill Elementary School. In more ways than one.
On Nov. 16, Principal Rosalind Gaines-Harrell and Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams cut the ribbon on the school’s new story walk. The art show, complete with guided narration that can be accessed by QR code and a smart phone, is a celebration of student and staff culture and diversity and is the culmination of a school-wide social justice project.
During the first quarter, everyone at Arbor Hill Elementary School read the book I Don’t See Color by G. Todd Taylor and was then asked to create a piece of art honoring their individuality and identity. The works, made from various mediums, were then hung in the school’s first-floor windows facing out so that families and the community can safely enjoy the amazing self-expressions during COVID-19.
“We are very excited to share this project and the experiences students and staff have had completing it,” explained Betsy Wright, an Instructional Coach who spearheaded the appropriately named ‘Gallery of Uniqueness’ at Arbor Hill Elementary.
In addition to the student and staff art, pages from the book are scattered throughout the exhibit plus several reflective components to encourage those taking the story walk to celebrate their own identities.
If you’re interested in viewing the outdoor exhibit, it begins under the staircase on the Manning Blvd. side of the school. To complete the viewing, simply follow the perimeter of the building. So as not to disrupt the school day, please plan your visit after 3 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday.
(You don’t need a Facebook account to see the photos linked in the highlighted text above. A window may display the text, “To see more from Albany City Schools on Facebook, log on or create an account,” but you can dismiss it by clicking “not now.”)
