Artist Statement: Every New Yorker has a story. The students at Claremont International High School became New Yorkers within the last 3 years, and all of them have dreams of a better future. We envisioned a collaboration of colors and images that make our community unique and that show the diversity of cultures and languages. The concept for the tree came about during a conversation of where we come from, and we all agreed that our roots ground us even though we now live in the U.S. The students came up with new ideas for designs and imagery as they progressed. America is their new home.
Gladys Pasapera is an artist and educator working in the South Bronx with an immigrant population of students ages 13-20. The piano artists are 12 students from grades 9-12 at Claremont International High School. These students have demonstrated a passion for art and creative thinking. They are all fairly new to the US and all of them are English Language Learners. This is the first time they have participated in an out-of-school Art exhibition.
