Philadelphia, PA — What does “home” mean? Is it a physical space, a feeling, a person, or a memory? These were the guiding questions for students in the Visual Arts program at Esperanza Academy Charter High School, who recently unveiled their project “Visions of HOME”, featuring cyanotype prints on paper and fabric.
Led by art teacher Zafka Banks-Christensen, students from AP Art and Art 2 classes engaged in a creative and introspective process to explore the concept of home from personal, cultural, and emotional perspectives. The resulting works reflect themes of belonging, identity, and community.
In the AP Art class, students began by creating physical collages using personal and found imagery. They then transitioned to cyanotype printing—also known as Sun Prints—combining their collage compositions with digital designs created in Photoshop. These final pieces were printed on acetate and exposed to sunlight along with symbolic objects, producing striking blue-toned images that evoke a sense of connection and memory.
The message I want to convey in my art is Family Connections- the way my mom an I are alike, our traditions, our heritage, shared experiences and even as I grow older I will forever be her little girl. That is why I named my artwork “forever her little girl” because at the end of the day one can be 65 and still be a baby with your mother.
Being a Latina means to be a lot. All the struggles we go through just to live a better life. The parade is our day to celebrate, where all Puerto Ricans can go out, blasting loud music and decorating their cars with the flag of our beloved country. I will always teach my kids to be proud of our roots and all that we fought for to get here.
_ Neymaliz De Leon
Meanwhile, students in the Art 2 class collaborated on a large-scale quilt, a symbol of unity, comfort, and safety. Each student contributed a section inspired by their own written reflections on what “home” means to them. Through symbolic imagery, the quilt brings together diverse voices into a cohesive and meaningful artwork.
“Visions of HOME” not only showcases the students’ technical and conceptual growth, but also invites viewers to reflect on their own definitions of home and the relationships that shape them.
The message I hope to convey through my piece and family and childhood. My mom and cat are a very important part of my life. I want to show my mom in this piece because she has always been there for me, and she has made me the person I am today. My cat has been there since I was kid, he is the sweetest cat I know, he has played an important role in my life, and I will always consider my pets as family. I also wanted to show childhood since it’s something I hold deeply. I used a photo of myself, it reflects how far I’ve come, only dreaming about being an artist and now actually working hard to pursue a career in the arts. I’ve always loved stuffed animals; it’s something that makes me appreciate the things that make up my childhood and many others and I want to show there is still a part of childhood that lives in all of us.
I think one aspect that I’m especially proud of in my heritage is the arts. There is so much love put into everything, whether it’s the stitching of the dresses, each movement in a dance, or every beat in a song, everything is made with so much love and creativity. I get so inspired seeing latino art and the stories it tells.
_ Emely Araujo-Mendoza