Portraits in History with Artist in Residence

IESHIA WILLIMS
7^TH GRADE Current Events, Hope Academy East, Cleveland, OH

Recently, Hope Academy East was privileged to have an artist in residence from Young Audiences. Collin Coots spent the week with the students in grades four through eight. With his guidance students were able to paint beautiful portraits of famous African Americans through out history. Prior to the artist’s arrival students in each grade had studied a specific African American. Then with the guidance of Collin Coots the students worked in teams to paint portraits of their topics of study. Ms. Boxley, the 5^th grade Instructional Aide commended the students and Mr. Coots on their outstanding achievement. "Collin Coots was very effective with the children. He got everyone involved easily. The students learned about African

Americans in history. By learning history through art this experience will truly impact them for the rest of their lives." The paintings are on display in the front hall of the school as well as the Collinwood branch of the Cleveland Public Library, the 6^th Precinct Police Department, and the McDonalds’ at the corner of East 152^nd and St. Clair, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Sixth Grader, Deon Santore, had this to say about the experience:

"When the artist came to paint portraits with us I was very happy. I was happy because I like to paint and draw. We painted portraits of Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and many other African American people. We made the portraits in honor of Black History Month and to have a new experience. Everybody enjoyed it and got a chance to put their mark on the portraits.

I thought that it was nice of the artist to come and paint with us. I appreciate how he taught us some painting tricks and techniques. I hope that we can do this again."

It was a great experience, we hope to see Mr. Coots again next year!