Poster Power
Graphic of people cleaning the city, done by interns at Liberty High School Academy for Newcomers
Art with an Impact
Interns in a Creative Art Works social justice poster program at Liberty High School Academy for Newcomers were challenged to identify a real-life problem and offer a solution that any citizen could take to help address it. Working in small groups, the interns then crafted a series of digital PSA posters that illustrated their ideas. Topics included pollution, clean streets, and gender inequality. All interns had to grapple with the technical issues of graphic design and societal change; in addition, many of the students at Liberty are English Language Learners, which introduced yet another layer of complexity.
Kristy Nilson of Par Group with CAW board members Julia Sanabria and Andrew Stern.
During a formal presentation at the end of the semester, interns demonstrated what they learned throughout the program. This included technical skills, such as using shapes and silhouettes to outline their designs, using Photoshop and Canva to digitize and add color and detail to their designs and presentations. They also expressed some important concerns that are inherent in collaborative work, such as agreeing on a single topic, communication, and being able to manage time effectively.
In the audience, along with Liberty High School teachers and students, were CAW Executive Director Karen Jolicoeur, Board Chair Andrew Levin, and board members Julia Sanabria and Andrew Stern, all of whom were impressed by the level of professionalism demonstrated by the presenters.
Turning Challenges into Learning Opportunities
CAW Teaching Artist Joey Jiménez noted that many of these students did not have access to computers outside of their school. In fact, many had not known how to fluently use a mouse prior to this program. But these technical challenges became opportunities for learning and growth.
“There were students who feared they wouldn’t be good enough at drawing or able to use a computer and I quickly reminded them that these were the kinds of opportunities they were there for... They had such a strong sense of community, that once one student understood the assignment, they would step up and be the first ones translating and demonstrating the instructions to others.”
Wrapping Up
As the interns finished their presentations, they brimmed with newfound pride and confidence, which left a lasting impression on everyone in the audience. We are proud of these young people for inspiring meaningful change within their own communities and beyond.
Graphic by a Liberty High School student
“I have been partnering with Creative Art Works since 2019 to provide art-focused internships to student interns at Liberty High School. CAW’s mission of teaching employability skills through an exciting work-based learning plan align with the goals I have for my students. I continue to be impressed by their innovative ideas and the ability of their Teaching Artists to work with diverse students.”
Graphic Designs by Liberty High School Interns
This program was made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. This program is also made possible by public funds from the Office of the Manhattan Borough President and by the Leroy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, the Ponce De Leon Foundation, and the William Talbot Hillman Foundation.
