Creative Collaboration
is Our Heart
and Soul
Our process consists of:
The Writing Workshop I The Portrait Session I The Exhibit & Poetry Reading
The Writing Workshop
Combining critical thinking with creativity, participants respond to a set of prompts and work with poets and educators to write about the qualities that make them unique, with an emphasis on using visual metaphors. Sessions are conducted over zoom and in workshops and classrooms. Group discussions with the educators and their peers provide additional feedback and the groups are often guided to push their creative expression even further.
They’re excited by their accomplishment and many continue to write creatively as a new way to understand and express themselves.
“I learned more about myself by thinking about what my super power would be and how to develop it. It made me feel good about myself, where I come from and who I am. I feel proud when I did the poem.”
Wilman, age 14
Immigrated to USA from The Dominican Republic 2022
Bayonne HS ESL student
The Portrait Session
The portrait session provides opportunity to assist, collaborate and improvise creatively with the photographer and each other. Participants discover the joy of teamwork, learn to trust one another, and begin to gain an understanding of what goes into the making of professional works of art.
“The portrait shoot was my most favorite part—we were helping each other, laughing, and talking to each other for the first time. It was the most amazing experience I have in my life!”
Engy, age 14
Immigrated to USA from Egypt 2022
Bayonne HS ESL student
The Exhibit & Poetry Reading
The exhibit of final portraits and poems is a celebratory moment for participants, families and community, an authentic window into the eyes and hearts of our youth.
Participants read their writing in front of an audience and gain confidence in presenting themselves.
“Being new to this country, this project lets me to feel more welcome and normal here, it makes me realize that I'm not that different from the others that live here. Also I get to see my own art, something I made, take shape.”
Rafael, age 15
Immigrated to USA from The Dominican Republic
Bayonne HS ESL student
