Young Artists Gallery: Our Favorite Things

Our Favorite Things

Shirley Chisholm ES

The Young Artists Gallery at Hill Center is showcasing the work of students in the Oyé Palaver Hut after-school program at Shirley Chisholm Elementary (1001 G St. SE). Working in acrylic on canvas board, they have created a vibrant expression of joy in the small pleasures of childhood. Art educators, Madison Moyer and Comonique Mobly, began the project with an exploration of the concept “favorite things”. They also studied the basics of composition: foreground, background; and how primary colors can be mixed to create subtle variations.

Moyer’s goal for this project was “to allow the student artists to play the primary role in the planning process to create art that was meaningful to them, and reflective of their likes and interests.” The kids responded with close examination of how and why these special items and experiences are important in their lives. And how the creative process made them feel:

“We had to paint our favorite things and I did my walkie talkie. I like to use it to locate my brother. I liked painting with the watercolors the most.” – Bryson

“I painted a dog. I liked using the computer to look at the dog and paint it. My favorite thing has been using paint sticks!” – Genesis

“I painted a tennis racket and Takis. I liked drawing it. I had fun.” – Logan

“I liked painting my favorite game, Roblox!” – Miles

“I painted doughnuts. I liked shading my painting.” –  Ayden

“My favorite part was my work was beautiful!” – Ava

“I liked that we got to paint because we get to pick our favorite colors!” -Demi

Visitors to the Chisholm show will be swept into an alternate reality of exploding color and radiating warmth the moment they enter the hall. The exhibit will be on view through August.

Oyé Palaver Hut is an after school and summer arts program, was started in 2003 by Liberian born storyteller and nutrition educator, Vera Oyé Yaa-Anna, AKA Auntie Oyé. Programming runs from 4 to 6pm, every school day.