Education
The primary goal of Art and Remembrance's educational programs is to open the minds of school-age children to the powerful experiences of victims of social injustice, as narrated through art. Through guided study on the works of A&R artists, students will be encouraged to reflect upon and gain a greater understanding of important issues such as cultural diversity, prejudice, the Holocaust, and other historical and contemporary manifestations of racism. Through the study of narrative art, A&R also seeks to empower children to share their own stories, and to learn about various techniques that will enable them to do so through art.
A&R recently partnered with educators at two elementary schools where
Esther's story and art served as inspiration for students exploring themes such as:
- Narrative through art
- Holocaust and social justice, including issues such as prejudice and violence
- Identity and framing the individual
- Agency and empowerment of the storyteller and artist
- Fabric art technique
The Hero Project was undertaken by 5th Grade students at
Hunter College Elementary School who wrote and illustrated
a story about a family member who had displayed hero qualities. Their
stories and art are exhibited in the
A&R Gallery.
The
writing unit lesson plan
and the art unit lesson plan are
available for download.
Students at Bailey's Elementary, an urban multi-cultural magnet school,
wrote and illustrated Stories of Perseverance about family members who did
not give up when faced with adversity. The
lesson plan is available on this website.
A&R' educational materials are designed to accompany the exhibited work of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz, Through the Eye of the Needle: Fabric of Survival and help students develop a deeper appreciation of tolerance, social justice and peace. Educators and students may download pdf files for an educator guide and student questions for a guided exploration of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz' art and story.