Piedmont High School is doing its part to change the world , one student at a time through its school wide participation in the global project Inside Out . The message : self-acceptance and unity are important .
“ This project has been one of the highlights of my teaching career because it ’ s been so visual and so monumental ,” said Piedmont High School art teacher Tracy Price . “ The kids are so excited about being a part of it and seeing their pictures .”
Inside Out , which started in California in 2011 , is a global participatory art project that posts hundreds of 3- x 4.5-feet , poster-size portraits of students and teachers around the participating school .
“ This says you are important . You are not just a number . You are a member of our community ,” said Savannah Collins , president of the school ’ s National Art Honor Society .
The project , made possible in Union County with a $ 500 grant from the Community Arts Council , was organized by the school ’ s art department .
The first step , students in the Piedmont High Honors Art III Class took headshots of not only students in all grade levels , but Piedmont ’ s faculty as well . Individuals being photographed were told they could smile , be serious or pose with a silly face .
Once the photos were edited and turned into black and white pictures , they were sent to the Inside Outside organization , who then printed them poster size and returned them to the school . Then art students , with the assistance of the UCPS Maintenance Department , hung about 300 photos both inside and outside of the school buildings , using adhesive made of flour , sugar and water . “ When you look at these photos you can see a lot of different types of people here , different races , different genders , people who identify as this or the other ,” said senior Rachel High .
“ When you paste everyone ’ s face up here , you see that even though we may be in different clicks and don ’ t always get along ; we ’ re all the same inside ,” Rachel added . “ We ’ re all human . We all have problems . And there is a story behind whatever front people put up .”
Price said the portraits could last anywhere from three weeks to three months . Some , depending on the adhesive , could even last up to a year before they are destroyed by the elements are simply fall off the walls . — This article was provided by the Union County Public Schools Communications Office .
Piedmont High students use art to create unity
National Art Honor Society students enjoy their finished products at Piedmont High School .
Parent Teacher Magazine • Mar / Apr 2017 • 7