NY Daily News | Artistry in Black

Year-long civil Rights program
ends in exhibit of social commentary

by Tanyanika Samuels
The New York Daily News

For 70 students at the International Leadership Charter School in Marble Hill, a year's worth of study culminated in one special night.

Last week, the 10th-graders showcased artwork that explored issues of social justice and civil rights for their peers, parents and community members.

The event was the product of a year-long study designed to teach students about social justice and civil righs issues - including the slave trade, segregation and the 1960s Civil Rights movement.
Staffers encouraged students to explore the issues from different angles.

"We're consistently looking for new ways to develop their critical thinking," said Elaine Ruiz Lopez, the school's founder and principal. "Not only has this taught them to view these issues through different lenses, but it has also demonstrated to our students that they can excel at a form of artistic expression."

Exhibits included an artful recreation of a slave ship, paintings of slaves in chains, a collage of President Obama and an interactive installation of two drinking fountains - one for "whites" and one for "coloreds."

The students were taught by artist Daren Chambers, who serves as the school's artist-in-residence and art teacher. Chambers is known for his portraits of jazz musicians in concert.