NEW YORK CITY ART TEACHERS ASSOCIATION/UNITED FEDERATION OF TEACHERS presents INSIDE/OUTSIDE 21: YOUNG ARTISTS RESPOND TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

                                   ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Shulie Cooper, Art Teacher
Artist Statement
Victor Tentler, Grade 1, "No! No! No! Get Out Virus"
Victor Tentler, Grade 1
pencil and crayon
P.S. 174Q
Art Teacher: Shulie Cooper

“No! No! No! Get Out Virus”

I drew a picture to express how I don’t want Coronavirus to exist anymore.
My picture shows a doctor holding a syringe in one hand and a wooden clipboard in the other hand.
I drew a rainbow to make people feel happy during this time.
The doctor is saying “No, no, no, get out virus!”
Victor Tentler, Grade 1, "No! No! No! Get Out Virus"
Artist Statement
Vince-Ebonia Grade 2, "My Covid Fort"
Vince Ebonia Grade 2,
crayon
P.S. 174Q,
Art Teacher: Shulie Cooper

“My Covid Fort”

Peace and quiet
Here in my room
Alone.
Building my fort
Listening to calming music
The sound of waterfall
I can sleep
I am as calm
As a praying mantis.
My eyes close
Like a cheetah
I feel safe from Covid
In my room
Calm.
Vince-Ebonia Grade 2, "My Covid Fort"
Artist Statement
Caitlin Han, Grade 2, "Waves in Japan"
Caitlin Han, Grade 3, colored pencils, pencil, marker
P.S. 174Q,
"Waves in Japan"
Art Teacher: Shulie Cooper

My painting is about waves. The waves make me feel calm. I think of the sound of the waves hitting with sand. The waves make me feel great because I think of going on vacations in California that we can't do right now because of COVID. We went to the beach at Carmel-by-the-Sea and built sandcastles and played in the waves. It makes me sad that we can't go now but we will go back after COVID is over. I love my painting because it's so colorful.
Caitlin Han, Grade 2, "Waves in Japan"
Artist Statement
Vardges Knyazyan, Grade 2, "Our Heroes"
Vardges Knyazyan, Grade 2
pencil and colored pencils
P.S.174 Q,
Art Teacher: Shulie Cooper


“Our Heroes”

Covid-19 has affected all countries and peoples especially women,
children, and old people.
Doctors, nurses, teachers, and policemen risk their lives
to save millions of people.

Doctors heal many people from Covid-19 and
nurses take care of old people who need help.
Policemen maintain order and make sure that we are safe.
Teachers risk their lives to teach students and children.
They are heroes and we should remember their deeds.

We need to write stories and shoot movies about them.
Also, we can draw paintings, and take photos, and create songs all about our heroes.

We feel that we are safe because our heroes are next to us and they protect us, they are our Angels.
Vardges Knyazyan, Grade 2, "Our Heroes"
Artist Statement
Alyssa Gonzalez, Grade 3, "My Moms' Angels"
Alyssa Gonzalez, Grade 3, colored pencils, pencil, marker
P.S. 174Q,
Art Teacher: Shulie Cooper

“My Moms Angels”

This person is my mom.
I drew my mom because she is a nurse.
My mom uses these tools because she needs to take care of people that have COVID.
My mom wears masks and goggles or a face shield just to be in the same room as a patient because COVID is very contagious. She needs scrubs because nurses wear uniforms.
I drew angels because I want them watching over my mother.
I don't want her to catch COVID.
My mom works hard as a nurse and I worry about her working in the hospital with sick people
Alyssa Gonzalez, Grade 3, "My Moms' Angels"
Artist Statement
Arianna Jaype, Grade 4. " Covid-19 Front-Liners"
Arianna Jaype Gr.4 “Covid19 watercolor paint and markera P.S. 174Q,
Art Teacher: Shulie Cooper

“Covid-19 Front-Liners”

I am thankful for all of them for helping us during this COVID-19 because
they also do their job so well.
I used bright colors I love blending and mixing.
I made different backgrounds for each of them because I wanted it to be different worlds for all of them.
I wrote a letter to each of them.
I drew policemen, doctors, nurses, custodian workers, and firemen.
They are helping people.
I drew the virus because they are fighting it
and wearing a mask to keep safe from it.
I want people to think that everyone should be safe from COVID-19 and always wear their masks and inspire people to do artworks like this.
Arianna Jaype, Grade 4.   " Covid-19 Front-Liners"
Artist Statement
NADIA QUIGLEY, Grade 4, "A Coronavirus Street"
Nadia Quigley, Grade 4, mixed media,
P.S. 174Q,
Art Teacher: Shulie Cooper

“A Coronavirus Street”

COVID-19 changed the world and how people interact with each other.
I feel disappointed that I cannot see my friends or come close to them.
Sometimes I feel I have gotten too close to someone
when I am talking or playing.
Now you can’t go to places with too many people
because we all are taking a risk.

When I began my artwork, I wasn’t planning to add as many germs as I did.
As I kept working, I wanted to put more germs
because they are the reason people are 6 feet apart.
The size of the germs shows how dangerous they are.
I like my artwork because I got across
what I want people to know.
NADIA QUIGLEY, Grade 4, "A Coronavirus Street"
Artist Statement
Liana Rice Grade 4 "The Masked Lady"
Liana Rice, Grade 4, pencil and crayon,
P.S.174Q,
Art Teacher: Shulie Cooper

“The Masked Lady”

In 2020, I drew myself black and white because I didn't feel like I had color.
Because of COVID, I was feeling, very depressed and sad. Whenever I would watch the News channel, I would cover my ears because there is always something bad happening about COVID-19. It effects how I feel A LOT.

Before COVID-19, I drew myself happy and in color because everything was perfectly fine.

I drew hearts in the middle of my shirt. In 2019 the heart is completed.
In 2020, the heart is broken because I felt that there will be more years of COVID-19, where I'll have to wear masks and wash my hands.

Liana Rice Grade 4 "The Masked Lady"
Artist Statement
Chaz Hoffman, Grade 5, "My Grandfather During the Pandemic"
Chaz Hoffman, Grade 5, photograph,
P.S. 174Q,
Art Teacher: Shulie Cooper

“My Grandfather During the Pandemic”
In this photograph my grandfather is recovering from heart surgery.
He is pondering where he is going next with his cane.
He is worried about getting COVID







Chaz Hoffman, Grade 5, "My Grandfather During the Pandemic"
Artist Statement
Justin Wang, Grade 5, "Life Is Not Stopping"
Justin Wang, Grade
Photograph
P.S. 174Q
Art Teacher: Shulie Cooper

“Life Is Not Stopping”

A very busy intersection, showing life is not stopping.
There are still a lot of people up and about.
It could also be lock down fatigue.
People want to be outside and avoid cabin fever.
Justin Wang, Grade 5, "Life Is Not Stopping"
 Eileen Bartholomeo, Art Teacher
Artist Statement
Abigail Itin, Grade 5, "Vaccination"
Abigail Itin, Grade 5
Medium: colored pencils
P.S.95K
Art Teacher: Eileen Bartholomeo

"Vaccination"
My family and I are responding to the pandemic by getting the vaccine to protect ourselves and others.
 Abigail Itin, Grade 5, "Vaccination"
Artist Statement
Nithila Jerin, Grade 5, " Hope"
Nithila Jerin, Grade 5
Medium: colored pencils
P.S.95K
Art Teacher: Eileen Bartholomeo

"Hope"
My drawing symbolizes hope when things are really bad. The yin and yang flower shows that everything dark has light, and everything light has dark; you can’t have one without the other, you take the good with the bad. The burning buildings are a metaphor for destruction that can’t be stopped easily and the destruction in this case is the coronavirus pandemic. But there’s still hope, like the 3 ants working together to carry food and the butterflies sticking together. The sky's still blue and will always be that way as you long as you keep going. I chose a messier coloring design because it shows that my picture isn’t reality and just how I see things. It’s like an analogy.
 Nithila Jerin, Grade 5, " Hope"
Artist Statement
Melissa Vorfa, Grade 5, "Falling Apart"
Melissa Vorfahren, Grade 5
Medium: Pencil
P.S.95K
Art Teacher: Eileen Bartholomeo

"Falling Apart"
My drawing represents how we were practically falling apart during quarantine. Personally, my room looked like a pig room. My clothes were everywhere, my phone was always under 20 percent. I would always look at my bag and realize how much i missed school and I would look at all the masks in the living room and i always think ‘’why are we stuck in this pandemic.’’ I would look at the cases rise and think ‘’what happened’’.
Melissa Vorfa, Grade 5, "Falling Apart"
Artist Statement
Gianna Zhuri, Grade 5, "Costumes"
Gianna Shuri, Grade 5
Medium: pencil & markers
P.S.95K
Art Teacher: Eileen Bartholomeo

"Costumes"
Being in a pandemic was harder than anything. This was a tough experience for everyone. It was hard for me. But I found a hobby that I really liked. Cosplaying. This puts me in the shoes of so many interesting characters. It lets my mind explore different characters and places when I am feeling down. This drawing is inspired by Tsumugi Shirogane. I can relate to her and it’s what got me through the pandemic.

 Gianna Zhuri, Grade 5, "Costumes"
Haya Moline, Art Teacher
Artist Statement
Waylon Baines-Ryder, Grade 4. "The Year of the Mask"
Waylon Baines-Ryder, Grade 4
Medium: Crayon Marker Ink Pen
School: PS 261K
Art Teacher: Haya Moline

"The Year of the Mask"
It is hard to breathe in this but better days are coming!
Waylon Baines-Ryder, Grade 4. "The Year of the Mask"
Artist Statement
Mila Barton, Grade 4, "Bored"
Mila Barton, Grade 4
pen and newspaper
PS261K
Art Teacher: Haya Moline

"BORED"
Please do not worry, I didn't know what else to do.
Mila Barton, Grade 4, "Bored"
Artist Statement
Samson Pennington, Grade 4, "Arm Yourself"

Samson Pennington, Grade 4
Medium: Crayon
School: PS 261K
Art Teacher: Haya Moline

"Arm Yourself"
Please wear a mask. It keeps you safe against Covid.
Samson Pennington, Grade 4, "Arm Yourself"
Artist Statement
Noam Max Sivkoff Livneh, Grade 4, "The Threat of Covid-19"
Noam Max Sivkoff Livneh, Grade 4
Medium: Pencils, color pencils,
School: Philip Livingston School PS 261K
Art Teacher: Haya Moline

"The Threat of Covid"
Wear a mask and social distance-we will survive!
Noam Max Sivkoff Livneh, Grade 4, "The Threat of Covid-19"
Artist Statement
Grace Tooman, Grade 4, "The Covid Wave"
Grace Tooman, Grade 4
Medium : pencil, pen and watercolor
Philip Livingston School PS261K
Art Teacher: Haya Moline

Title: "The Covid Wave"

This symbolizes what a mess covid has been. Every day I deal with the mess of hair. I made this to show that covid has been everywhere over the past year. I put 5 words to represent covid 19. My teacher always says it’s like riding the waves so her hair is like a wave to ride.

Grace Tooman, Grade 4, "The Covid Wave"
Artist Statement
Isanne Cohen, Grade 5, "Home Alone"
Isanne Cohen, Grade 5
Medium: Markers
School: Philip Livingston School PS 261K
Art Teacher: Haya Moline

"Home Alone"
I did this drawing because it is about how its hard being home all day.
Isanne Cohen, Grade 5, "Home Alone"
Artist Statement
Benjamin Gibbs, Grade 5, "The Race Against the Virus"
Benjamin Gibbs, Grade 5
Medium: I-pad
School: Philip Livingston School PS 261K
Art Teacher: Haya Moline

"The Race Against the Virus"

COVID makes me think about a race. always slowing down and speeding up, but in the end we will win.
Benjamin Gibbs, Grade 5, "The Race Against the Virus"
Artist Statement
Troi Gjerqeku, Grade 5, "Never Give Up"
Troi Gjerqeku, Grade 5
Medium: Crayon pencil marker
School: Philip Livingston School PS 261
Teacher: Haya Moline

"Never Give Up"

My leaves have fallen, but I still have hope. Never give up!
Troi Gjerqeku, Grade 5, "Never Give Up"
Artist Statement
Joseph Glover, Grade 5, "Before Covid Fun"
Joseph Glover
Joseph Glover, Grade 5
Medium: Pencil Marker
School: Philip Livingston School PS 261
Teacher: Haya Moline

"Before Covid Fun"

This was inspired by Covid-19 and about how it was fun then turned into a nightmare.
Joseph Glover, Grade 5, "Before Covid Fun"
Artist Statement
Salomon Hernandez Litar, Grade 5, "The Covid Storm"
Salomon Hernandez Litar, Grade 5
Medium: Pencil, marker
School: P.S. 261K
Art Teacher: Haya Moline

"THE COVID STORM"
Covid is like the storm outside but I feel safe inside my house
Salomon Hernandez Litar, Grade 5, "The Covid Storm"
 Risa Schneider, Art Teacher
Artist Statement
Eliana Perez, Grade 2, "My Family and Me on A Picnic"
Medium: Oil Pastel, Paint, and Colored Pencil
School: P.S. 63M
Teacher: Risa Schneider

"My Family and Me on a Picnic"

I am thankful for my family. I made this artwork to show how much I appreciate them during these hard times, and also to remember we can share happy times.
Eliana Perez, Grade 2,  "My Family and Me on A Picnic"
Artist Statement
Teresa Aquino De Los Santos, Grade 4, "Sun, Moon, Cloud and Heart Mandala"
Medium: Digital Drawing (Google Draw)
School: PS 63 The STAR Academy
Teacher: Risa Schneider

"Sun, Moon, Cloud, Heart, Mandala"

During the quarantine and this school year I have found that I'm still interested in art and that I'm really good at it. The main idea that I want to express in my artwork is everything you want to do is possible.
Teresa Aquino De Los Santos, Grade 4, "Sun, Moon, Cloud and Heart Mandala"
Artist Statement
Ethen Santamaria Diaz, Grade 4, "Wearing A Mask"
Ethen Santamaria Diaz, Grade 4
Medium: Pencil and Crayon
School: P.S.63M
Teacher: Risa Schneider

"Wearing a Mask"

I drew this to stay safe from Covid-19 and to show people how to wear masks to protect themselves. Also, we can finish Covid-19 if people keep on wearing the mask. In that way everybody could go back to normal again. People can watch the game at the stadium, and family and friends can come and watch me play baseball. We can have more games to play outdoors with our friends and teammates without thinking about Covid-19 being spread to others.
Ethen Santamaria Diaz, Grade 4, "Wearing A Mask"
Artist Statement
Joshua Rodriguez, Grade 4, "You Hold Me Up When You Wear A Mask"
Medium: Colored Pencil and Pencil
School: P.S. 63M
Teacher: Risa Schneider

"You Hold Me Up When You Wear a Mask"

In my art I wanted to show that I think people should wear a mask so they don't get sick.
Joshua Rodriguez, Grade 4, "You Hold Me Up When You Wear A Mask"
Artist Statement
Maymunah Rahman, Grade 5, "Black Lives Matter"
Maymunah Rahman, Grade 5
Medium: Colored Pencil, Pencil, and Sharpie marker
School: PS 63 The STAR Academy
Teacher: Risa Schneider

"Black Lives Matter"

I made this piece of art because during COVID-19 last spring Black people were treated unfairly, so I drew a picture of a protest happening! So I Made sure every single face is a different color because we are all different. And I put some people holding up "Black Lives Matter" posters because that's what this project is all about, Black Lives Matter! So then I made them march by some buildings because in real life, I remember seeing a march when I woke up. Then I dressed them up differently because everyone has a different taste of style.
Maymunah Rahman, Grade 5, "Black Lives Matter"
Pnina Srour, Art Teacher
Artist Statement
Annie C., Grade 4, "Friendship"
Annie C. Grade 4
Medium: Collage
School: 15K169 Sunset Park
Teacher: Pnina Srour

"Friendship"

This artwork is not easy to create but it is fun to make. The outside world is a beautiful place but it is also dangerous. Staying cooped up on the inside was very hard for me but helping people and keeping in touch with friends was very important and helpful to me. I really miss my friends and friendship means to help others.
Annie C., Grade 4, "Friendship"
Artist Statement
Eloise Primera R., Grade 4, "Loneliness"
Eloise P.R.,Grade 4
Medium: Watercolors
School: 15K169 Sunset Park School
Teacher: Pnina Srour

"Loneliness"
My experience with Covid 19 was really sad. it took us away from the outside world. We stopped seeing nature, our friends, our teachers, our family. I felt scared of what I heard on the news, but the presence of my parents and the beginning of virtual classes helped me relax a bit. Thanks to technology I was able to communicate with my friends. My teacher’s words of encouragement calmed us and encouraged us to fight this hard battle. It is important for us to see each other again, talk, play as friends. even if we can't hug, we are happy to know that our friends are well and that one day we will play just like we did before.
Eloise Primera R., Grade 4, "Loneliness"
Artist Statement
Xinying Z., Grade 4 "Under A Rock"
Xinying Z., Grade 4
Medium: Markers
School: 15K169 Sunset Park School
Teacher: Pnina Srour

"Under a Rock"



Honestly when Corona started, I didn't really know about it. When i saw people in my school starting to wear masks I was weirded out. But then more people started getting sick and my babysitter told me that I should wear a mask to school. I began to wear a mask and my parents took me home to Manhattan. I was happy to be there. I stayed home more and more and remote school started. I stayed inside almost 9 months! When I finally went outside it felt very weird. It was so bright outside. I felt like I came out from living under a rock in plain darkness. I felt cold and weird, and went back inside.
Xinying Z., Grade 4 "Under A Rock"
Artist Statement
Sophia L., Grade 5, "Locked In A House"
Sophia L., Grade 5
Medium: Colored pencils
School: 15K169 Sunset Park School
Teacher: Pnina Srour

"Locked in a House"

I feel like I have been smushed by the COVID-19. I feel really down and dull. It's been a year since I went outside.
Like I am locked in a house with nothing and nobody, but EVEN WORSE!
Sophia L., Grade 5, "Locked In A House"
Artist Statement
Catherine C., Grade 5, "Stuck at Home"
Catherine C., Grade 5
Medium: Digital Art
School: 15K169 Sunset Park School
Teacher: Pnina Srour

"Stuck at Home"

In the Pandemic I feel really stuck. The Pandemic has gotten worse and I can’t go out because of that. So that makes me upset because it's really boring at home, plus there isn't much I can do at home. I haven't gotten outside for a long time. I used to like to stay home but now I feel i have to go out but I can't. When this Pandemic wasn't here, I didn't like going to school but now I hate online school and I feel like going to school is not that bad, because I can get distracted in class. So, I don't really like this Pandemic and it is getting quiet boring at home.


Catherine C., Grade 5,  "Stuck at Home"
Artist Statement
Elizabeth A., Grade 5, "Ghost Town"
Elizabeth A., Grade 5
Medium: Colored Pencils
School: 15K169 Sunset Park School
Teacher: Pnina Srour

"Ghost Town"

Some ways that I viewed the outside world while being cooped up on the inside was through thinking and using my imagination. I saw the outside world as a ghost town and it was very dreary (dull, bleak, lifeless and depressing). I viewed the outside world like this because the COVID-19 pandemic hit really hard and everyone stayed inside and only went out for essentials. It was depressing for those people who love the outdoors. This Pandemic increased crime and it is still hard staying cooped--up inside. Some of the challenges in creating this portrait was drawing the shape of the head like Modigliani, but the most successful part of my drawing are the accessories.
Elizabeth A., Grade 5, "Ghost Town"
Artist Statement
Sammi J., Grade 5, "Boredom"
Sammy J., Grade 5
Medium: Markers
School: 15K169 Sunset Park School
Teacher: Pnina Srour

"Boredom"


Since the beginning of the pandemic people had to stay at home. Staying home all day is pretty boring unless you have something to do. My art describes a person who is yawning and wearing pajamas since they are not going anywhere but staying home.

The room in my artwork is a very quiet and peaceful bedroom. In the bedroom where I create my artwork there is a light, a shelf and a bed which is what a normal room should have. The person living there just stares at the walls or sleeps all day. That's called "Boredom".


Sammi J., Grade 5, "Boredom"
Artist Statement
Shirley W., Grade 5, "Wish to Scream"

Shirley W., Grade 5
Medium: Markers
School: 15K169 Sunset Park School
Teacher: Pnina Srour

"Wish To Scream"

This drawing connects with my feelings during Covid. When it started I didn't know what was happening but when my mom told me I was shocked. I was shocked and scared of the Pandemic.
I didn't want my family to get Covid so we did everything that we could to stay safe.
Shirley W., Grade 5, "Wish to Scream"
Marissa Guglietta, Art Teacher
Artist Statement
Hannah Song, Grade 2, "Masks"
Hannah Song, Grade 2
Medium: crayons on paper
School: Holliswood P.S/I.S.178
Art Teacher: Marisa Guglietta

"Masks"

COVID-19 is everywhere. It is very scary and dangerous for everyone. But we could do simple things like wearing face masks and keeping social distancing, we could keep ourselves healthy and safe. I wear mask to keep my family safe, especially my grandparents. They are very old and I don't want them getting sick. Wearing mask and keep social distancing easiest things I can do to be safe and healthy. And we will all be happier and safer.
Hannah Song, Grade 2,  "Masks"