STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — IS183 Art School celebrates Youth Art Month with a new exhibition now on display at the Brothership Building Gallery Window of 141 North Street entitled "We Are Pittsfield." 

 

"We Are Pittsfield" is a Pittsfield Public Schools district wide artistic collaboration with fourth grade students in each of Pittsfield's eight elementary schools.

 

Organized by the Visual Arts Teachers from each of Pittsfield's Elementary Schools, students created a self-portrait during their art classes with the artistic intent of self-representation. Every participating fourth grade student represented themselves in the display. 

 

According to a press release, students reflected on their own personal identity by considering their appearance, their personal interests, and core values through creating sketches and discussing ways they could artistically express the complexities of who they are in a small 4x4 inch square.

 

"We're honored to host an exhibit that showcases the incredible, creative kids in Pittsfield," said IS183 Art School's Executive Director, Lucie Castaldo. "The coordination, collaboration, and compassion exhibited by the Visual Arts Educators in our elementary schools - during such a stressful time in education - should not go unnoticed. This tiny show packs a big impact - and reflects the strength of the arts in our county."

 

During the project, students learned how their identities are shaped through their experiences, personal interests and passions. Students also examined self-portraiture throughout various eras and discussed the ways artists choose to represent themselves and their identity. Students viewed self-portraits of famous artists such as Frida Kahlo, Bisa Butler, and Wendy Red Star, the current exhibiting artist at KidSpace MASS MoCA.

 

Youth Art Month is a celebration of the visual arts administered by The Council for Art Education (CFAE) at the national level. Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety.