"Who We Will Become" Frieze
This Leadership Program practice in the Studio Art classroom created an opportunity for students to reflect on the character traits that it takes to meet the expectations of becoming adults. They were able to first share ideas with each other about what it takes to become ethical young men and women and consider the origin of their values and ideas. They questioned: What are their strongest character traits? What growth would they like to see in their character? They considered the difference between how they believe they are seen by those around them and the way they wish to be seen as they grow older. The group expressed these ideas through the creation of a Greek style frieze (a 3D architectural image affixed to a wall utilizing applied math and physics), an apt culmination for a high school for architecture and world studies. Plaster casts of youths' faces were underscored with a carved word expressing the character trait they most want to be known for when they become adults. The relief sculpture also used symbolism within its borders to express the values they will need to hold to truly embody the character trait with which they wish to be associated.