Youth art inspires dialogue on community
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| Students display the art they created in the Youth Re-Imagining Community initiative. |
“Most people think we’re different, but we’re all human.” That’s the message Susy Virgas, a 9th-grader at Falls
Church High School, wanted to convey with her artwork – and it’s also one of the key themes that emerged from a
community dialogue May 3 at the Dar Al-Hijra Islamic Center.
Church High School, wanted to convey with her artwork – and it’s also one of the key themes that emerged from a
community dialogue May 3 at the Dar Al-Hijra Islamic Center.
Virgas was part of a group of 11 students from Annandale,
Stuart, Woodson, and Falls Church high schools who are participating in the Youth Re-Imagining Community project at
George Mason University which is all about exploring the meaning of community through art. Professors and graduate students at the GMU School of Art worked closely with the students, teaching them about art and how to present their ideas.
Stuart, Woodson, and Falls Church high schools who are participating in the Youth Re-Imagining Community project at
George Mason University which is all about exploring the meaning of community through art. Professors and graduate students at the GMU School of Art worked closely with the students, teaching them about art and how to present their ideas.
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| Susy Virgas, with her creation, on the left. |
The artwork they created served as a springboard for discussions among
the youths and adults about their vision of communities of the future and how
diverse groups can engage with one another to realize that vision.
the youths and adults about their vision of communities of the future and how
diverse groups can engage with one another to realize that vision.
The community dialogue was hosted by the
Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services with support from the Fairfax County Police Department, Annandale Roundtable, and Dar
Al-Hijrah.
Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services with support from the Fairfax County Police Department, Annandale Roundtable, and Dar
Al-Hijrah.
Here are some of the comments that emerged
from the small-group discussions:
from the small-group discussions:
- One participant, inspired by one of the artworks, said, “If all flowers
in a vase are identical, it does not look as good as if they vary in shape and color. Society works the same
way.”
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| Community members engage in a dialogue. |
- In recognition of the dinner provided by Dar
Al-Hijrah, another participant noted how “food brings us together.” - “Inclusiveness and diversity
break barriers,” and increasing knowledge is important, said a junior at
Stuart. If people don’t have a good understanding, they can’t make good
decisions.
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| Hilda Pineda, a student at Stuart High School. |
- Acceptance is important, as is equality and equity, which aren’t
the same thing. Some people need extra help. “If you only
think about equality, you won’t be successful.” - In reference to community building, “you’re
not going to hate someone you don’t know. You can’t judge someone before you
know them.”
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| The event draws a large crowd. |
- One of the student artists, who is from
Honduras, suggested educators need to be educated to deal with students from a variety of cultures. - Programs like this one, that break down barriers and stereotypes, are especially important in
the current climate. - Schools play an
important role in bringing the community together. An eighth-grader at Glasgow
Middle School noted that the international club and events like international
night encourage students to learn about one another.
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| Participants break into small group discussions. |
- Social media can be used to share good news about the community and
bring people from different cultures together. - “Do more stuff like
this,” meaning community and interfaith gatherings, and look for more ways to
use art to facilitate dialogue, such as artworks by students in local
restaurants. - Welcome parents in schools and encourage them
to be more involved. Adults and students can serve as mentors. - The
message of one of the student’s pictures, “I look strong but hurt inside,” is
true for a lot of young people. - The more
children are exposed to art and culture, the most understanding they will
develop.
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| Peter Huyn of the Annandale Roundtable and Layla, a student at Glasgow, report on the discussion at their table. |
Hilda Pineda, a ninth-grader at Stuart, shared the outcome of the
discussion at her table with a graphic: A circle with the words “dreams and hopes” at the
center surrounded by understanding, vulnerability,
equity, courage, inclusivity, respect, and community.
discussion at her table with a graphic: A circle with the words “dreams and hopes” at the
center surrounded by understanding, vulnerability,
equity, courage, inclusivity, respect, and community.
Capt. Thomas Rogers, commander of the Mason
Police Department, said being a police officer is not just about writing
tickets and fighting crime; “it’s about treating people with empathy and
respect. We all have differences but we’re all humans.”
Police Department, said being a police officer is not just about writing
tickets and fighting crime; “it’s about treating people with empathy and
respect. We all have differences but we’re all humans.”
Rogers’ message to
youth: “Just because you might be different, don’t let anyone discourage you.
It’s okay to fail; it’s okay to have setbacks. Don’t let someone tell you that you
can’t do something. You can always do something if you put your mind to it.”
youth: “Just because you might be different, don’t let anyone discourage you.
It’s okay to fail; it’s okay to have setbacks. Don’t let someone tell you that you
can’t do something. You can always do something if you put your mind to it.”
There will be two more community
dialogues around these themes, said Elisa Lueck, the Region 2 director at the
Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. The ultimate goal is to
create a community-based change team for the Bailey’s Crossroads and Culmore
area consisting of youths, residents, and community organizations.
