The Power Within
The Power Within Reading Series is a collaborative effort between HTHCV and the non-profit arts collective So Say We All. Henry Maxfield and Nuvia Ruland created this project as a way to engage students in meaningful reading, writing, self exploration, and the pursuit of biology. The students had to answer the question: Where does your power come from? This was no easy assignment for students. They went through a minimum of five drafts, and in some cases up to 10, creating high quality nonfiction narratives. Many of them started with stories that didn’t dig deep enough into the truth of where their power comes from and ended up starting over halfway through the process. The project culminated in students reading their nonfiction narratives alongside a slideshow of images at Novo Brazil Brewery in front of a live audience. These readings took place over the course of 5 nights.
The amount of personal, emotional, and educational growth that transpired throughout the course of this project was immeasurable. Along with the writing component, students created artwork that embodied where their power comes from. Not only did they create an original piece of artwork embodying where their power comes from but they also highlighted the biological connection within their power in the painting. Utilizing professional quality canvas, paint, and brushes, these students demonstrated on a deeper level their understanding of their own story and how it connects to science.
You can support this project by donating to our Art Room Aid 2016 fundraiser. Click HERE to donate.
The Power Within project handout available HERE
Ethan 24” x 30” Acrylic on Canvas I never knew that I had a mental disorder when I was only six. It had gone unrecognized, unchecked, and my school had exempted me for the little kid I was. The one quote I’ll remember is, “Success is the child of drudgery and perseverance. It cannot be coaxed or bribed; pay the price, and it’s yours.” I took this quote with a grain of salt, and continued on through school no matter how bad it was. The only few people who could help me were
Nataniah 24” x 30” Acrylic on Canvas Growing up my parents always told me that I am in control of myself and my actions. They made it clear to me that I make my own decisions, and that I have the power to be in charge. I incorporated the brain to show my power comes from the nervous system. Also, I included the soccer ball pattern in the background of the canvas. The painting relates to my story of how soccer helped me as a young girl to believe in myself and be stronger.
Arky 30” x 24” Acrylic on Canvas My heart is the one thing that keeps me going physically and emotionally through difficult times. It has never let me down and has allowed me to push myself to always do my best. The main theme of my personal story is the power of love and the human heart. I’ve learned that there are two sides of the human heart to pump blood through the body efficiently and deliver oxygen to keep me moving, thinking and living. All things are possible with a heart.
