Symbols inspired by Porfirio Gutierrez
Students studied the symbols of Porfirio’s Zapotec heritage and how they are designed to be used in weavings. They started with sketches of their own ideas and adapted them into symbols that followed a grid of squares and triangles. The words in red were written by the students to describe the meaning of their symbol.
The artwork below was produced in AVID classrooms at DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts, Cabrillo Middle School, Anacapa Middle School and Rio del Valle Middle School. These Learning To See Outreach residencies were generously funded by the California Arts Council.
Click on each image to see the full size.
Butterly, sun, ocean, sand
By Claire, Cabrillo Middle School
Heritage, fields, hard work
by Leah, Cabrillo Middle School
The doors closing on the tunnel and never coming back.
By Alexander, DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts
Music, expression
By Olivia, Cabrillo Middle School
Yuliana, 7th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Victor, 8th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Valerie, 8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Tyler, 8th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Trinity, Symbol
“Kite” represents how to let go and move onto the future. This is me not wanting to move on but I’m still over the past. In the middle there is a circle, my grandpa passed away. He love the Angel’s baseball and that’s where my “kite” will go.
Trinity, 8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Blue butterfly with missing piece
Sarah, 8th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Samantha, 8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Being graceful, unifying and peaceful
Michelle, 8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Mia, 8th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Mekaela, Anacapa Middle School
Meah, 7th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Bless family in good and bad
Maya, 7th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Marlene, 7th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Margarita, 8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
One smile for each tear. No matter what you will always be in my heart. Sun will always come up after the storm.
Madison, 7th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
A butterfly going through happy days
Luis, 8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Family, love, God
Lourdes, 8th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Lizbeth, 7th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Lalinska, 7th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Lizbeth, 7th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Kailani, 7th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Peace and protection all over the world
Juan, , 7th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Jovana, 8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Jorge, 7th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Family, love, loyalty
Gisselle, 7th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Esmeralda, ,8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Money, power, mysterious
Emmanuel, 8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Transformer that represents my whole family
Emmanuel, 8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Edwin, 8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Dominic, 8th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
This represents both sides of my family
Daniel, 8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Tree of Life
Cristian, 7th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Saturn is different from the other planets, but is still unique and beautiful
Brianna, 8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Brian, 7th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
This means that I become a flower to become beautiful and strong, and waits for spring for a new generation.
Breanna, 7th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Brayden, 8th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Music, friends, sports
Azaia, 7th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Ariadna, 8th Grade, Anacapa Middle School
Going to space with my family
Anthony, 7th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Angel, 8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Symbolism by Angel
8th Grade, Rio del Valle
Peace and joy
Andre, 8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Alexis, 7th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Nature and life
Alexia, 8th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Freedom to write
Alessandra, 8th Grade Rio del Valle Middle School
Aaliyah, 7th Grade, Rio del Valle Middle School
Kitten nose, happiness, peaceful, love, gentleness, joy, warm
By Ursula, DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts
Calm, sleepy, symbiosis, night and day
By Rita, DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts
Sun with waves and mountains. Thinking of Ventura, at home, happy
By Kayla, DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts
An angel makes me feel safe, happy.
By Destiny, DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts
Peaceful, beach, hot cocoa, free, relaxed, happy
By Serena, Cabrillo Middle School
Siren head, fear of the unknown, shyness, loud voice, cool once known. Remember danger, creativity, be different.
By Sayed, Cabrillo Middle School
By Mariana, Teacher – Mr. Genarro, DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts
Turtle – patience
By Zoe, Teacher – Mr. Genarro, DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts
Our world/earth/cycle of life with my dog, Dymond’s snout inside of a diamond
By Nevaeh, Teacher – Mr. Genarro, DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts
Sun, star, going ot the sky
By Nathan, Teacher – Mr. Genarro, DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts
Going to the beach over Christmas
By Laney, Teacher – Mr. Genarro, DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts
Iceberg – symbolizes past, my progress, overcome
By Atzimba, Teacher – Mr. Genarro, DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts
Atzimba’s rough draft of symbol
Funding
Our standard 8-week in-the-classroom residency is $800 (including instructor and supplies). You can “Adopt A Classroom” for $800.00. Click HERE to Donate.
Learning to See Outreach (LTS) is a multi-lesson, sequential, cross-curricular arts education program and aligns with California education standards serving grades K-8. LTS emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, celebration of diversity, confidence in self-expression, and supports social emotional learning. Many lessons highlight the art and life of extraordinary artists from our community whose work is rooted in their cultural heritage.
LTS is taught by professional artists who have extensive educational experience. We feel that this criterion helps to guide the student with a deeper understanding of the art making process.Lessons are inspired by FOTM documented artists from our community and include a comprehensive range of art concepts, styles and media.
Programs are supported in a variety of ways, including school and PTA funds, grants, or personal donations from an individual or group of family/friends.
For more information, or to arrange a residency in your neighborhood, call 805.653.2501 or email Education@FocusontheMasters.com.
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