We’ve had a summer jam-packed with enriching teacher development programming. In June, we wrapped up a special workshop series called Life’s Angles: Camp Art Boxes, sponsored by the California Civic Liberties Public Education Program and the California State Library.
We completed our goal of reaching 80 classroom and community educators through workshops offered in San Francisco, Fresno, Watsonville, and virtually. These teachers each received an art box with incarceration camp related art and crafts lessons and materials for 30 students.
Our in-depth workshop explored the significance of art making for Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II through a historical overview and a chance for the participants to create their own artwork. Our workshops were deeply fulfilling, rich with lively and empathetic discussion, culminating in a beautiful collection of art.
“Art is a necessity in life. It becomes even more important when one is living under severe duress, which was the case for the incarcerated Japanese in American concentration camps. I am aware of much of the historical inquiry; however, seeing the art and especially making art brought a deeper understanding of the role of art in maintaining the ability to endure untenable circumstances.” – Testimonial from workshop participant
Below are a few pictures from the workshops:
