river anacostia - river thames
Bell Multicultural High School
Students read a poem about Nathaniel Bentley, an infamously grubby Londoner who is said to be the inspiration for Miss Havisham in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. The students created cut-stencil screen prints of ordinary household items, then used ink pens and charcoal to add dirty details like cobwebs and tarnish.
'Art is my passion. Art can be used to tell a story or be used to express feeling. I learned that art can be used to re-tell a story over and over for as long as the art lives.'
Jovan Almodovar
Notre Dame RC Girls' School
The pupils made paper-cuts based on indigenous flora and fauna from the Anacostia. They studied the craft of quilt-making and used it to inform their design, incorporating stars and stripes from the American flag.
'The project complemented the curriculum as there was lots of team work, sustained focus, we were part of something bigger. It reinforced links already made with Washington DC. There was a lovely relaxed atmosphere. The students knew what to do at all times and were well led. All students were engaged and really enjoyed the whole experience!' Jen Somers, Notre Dame RC Girls' School
Duke Ellington School of the Arts
After learning about the Great Stink of 1858, students compared and contrasted engravings of life on the Thames by James Whistler and street art by Banksy. They created their own mixed-media piece inspired by the famous ‘Silent Highwayman’ Punch Cartoon
'In this session, I learnt a lot. I learnt how to spray paint, make stencils and how to use digital scanning. I enjoyed all of it. This session changed my perspective by showing me new styles, techniques and processes of art.'
Derrick Laster
Mulberry School for Girls
The pupils made paper silhouettes inspired by historical and contemporary pictures of the Anacostia river landscape. They combined the pre-industrial picturesque landscape along the river within pupils' portraits as a way of remembering the ‘forgotten river’.
‘This project has changed my views about art and I am now thinking about doing it for GCSE.’ Anisa Islam
‘I learnt about the Anacostia river and that it has been forgotten and is being polluted. It is our job to look after it more and protect it from pollution.’ Nazia Tasmin Salim
Hardy Middle School
The students learned about the history of Liberty of London and their influence on the textile market. After viewing samples of famous Liberty patterns, the students created their own vibrant “scarves” inspired by the originals using decorative paper, reflecting and rotating their designs to create symmetry.
'I learned how to use different shapes and patterns to create a textile using reflection and rotation. The workshop changed my view of textile-making because it gave me a sense of appreciation for graphic design. My interest for making textiles has increased.'
Yana Madrid
Maria Fidelis Convent School
The girls created a mixed media nocturnal cityscape based on images of the Anacostia neighborhood. Each illuminated window tells a story, adding a rich narrative dimension.
'This project has changed my views about art as a subject as I have realised it is not all about drawing nice pictures. Thank you so much for everything.' Lewaht Tesfu, Maria Fidelis School
St. Thomas More Language College
Students looked at the tobacco plantations around the Anacostia River and designed pipes using American iconography. These were then made into lino prints and laid text.
'The project showed me how art represents everything and how you are able to express yourself in lots of different ways. I learnt many facts about the River Anacostia and the history of the tobacco industry.' Anthony Niguas
Sousa Middle School
Students researched the history of sugar refineries on the Thames and used the iconic Lyle’s Golden Syrup tin to create a repeating pattern featuring everyday uses for the product. Pen and ink drawings were scanned and digitally colored.
