Lyndsay Carroll

Inspired by the book of the month, Persepolis by Marjane Satrape, students worked on the following projects during the month of March 2023:

• paintings of Islamic metal artifacts using metallic paint

• mosaic collages inspired by Islamic art and Subway signage

• landscape paintings of Islamic ruins with gradient backgrounds

• drawing eyes

Additionally, in collaboration with the Student Council, students went on a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art where they went on a scavenger hunt in the Islamic Wing.

Cross-curricular connections include social studies, world history, and geography to learn about architecture and landscapes from the Iran. Another connection was made to local mosaic art found in the community in MTA subway stations.

Our school is the proud recipient of the CASA grant from city Councilwoman Carlina Rivera of NYC Council District 2. This funding allows us to continue our work with the arts provider Marquis Studios for hands-on project based learning. During the Spring semester of 2023, students learned how to create stop-motion animation videos.

In addition to using multiple formats to create stop-motion animation, students visited the Museum of Modern Art to view the an exhibition featuring behind the scenes artwork from the stop-motion animation film Pinocchio by Guillermo del Toro.

The following images show how I have adapted a project from one year to the next to challenge students further and utilize more authentic art-making methods. During the Victorian time period in which the book of the month (Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne) is set, a favorite artist of mine named William Morris was creating work in the Arts and Crafts style.

The first year I taught the project, we used rulers to measure and draw borders for a wallpaper design, and researched the symbolism behind different flowers. Students drew their designs and then added color with oil pastels and a final layer of watercolor paint.

The second year I taught the project, I challenged both myself and my students to create a repeat-pattern with foam printmaking plates. Students created a design, carved it into the foam, and then printed it multiple times to create a wallpaper sample.

Wallpaper Project V1

Wallpaper Project V2

When I started my first year at MSCD, the room I was assigned had previously been a science lab. The room was filled with boxes of science materials, and the cabinets were stocked with various beakers and science instruments. The back of the room contained an indoor garden container, and the room lacked character. After several days of elbow greased hard work, the room was clear and ready to become an art studio. Over the next months, I filled the room with new art supplies. My classroom has grown into a warm environment where students feel welcome and safe to create, socialize, and learn.

Project Slides