Layla, from the Argenziano School, contributed this piece of artwork to the project directed by art teacher Diana Taremi.

Argenziano School art teacher Diana Taremi says, “We are spending a lot of time in our homes, walking on our own blocks and spending time in our communities right now because of the pandemic.” Taremi draws on her decades of teaching experience to engage her students in exciting projects within the remote learning environment.

Last fall, Taremi directed students to a video about fine artist Romare Bearden. One of Bearden’s most famous pieces is The Block, which celebrates his vibrant street in Harlem, NYC street in 1971 and its African American residents.

Taremi asked 7th and 8th graders to use The Block as style and content inspiration to portray their own neighborhoods. She told students to get out and take a look at familiar buildings on their blocks, such as store fronts, restaurants, garages, and residential buildings. She told them to think about the people living around them and to contemplate what makes their block unique. Students integrated the Elements of Art, creating a relationship between the use of Line, Shape, Colors, and Texture in their own works and in Mr. Bearden’s work.
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By Michael

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By Piper

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