We are delighted to present this anthology of art and storytelling by the 3rd graders at P.S. 84, Jose de Diego, A Magnet School for the Arts and Sciences in Brooklyn.
We gave them a mission: an artistic journey from “self-portrait to superhero,” using visual art and the written word to transform themselves into new fictional super-heroes.
They accomplished it in epic fashion, with joy and boundless creativity. Their individual personalities and collective enthusiasm leap off the page.
In this volume, you will find a variety of wonderful creative work: oil pastel self-portraits, superhero illustrations, spoken word poems about things the authors love, character profiles, superhero origin stories, and comic book pages. The comics showcase an action-packed merger of the visual and written storytelling we explored over the course of the residency. You will also find collaborative art each class made together: community poems and the murals they inspired.
As a teaching artist team, we feel incredibly lucky to have worked with P.S. 84’s 3rd grade two years in a row. Wow, do we love this school! These students are truly super. Super writers and artists, but also super kind, compassionate, caring, determined and curious humans. They shine as individuals and as a community.
Thank you to the heroic staff at Community-Word Project for giving us the opportunity to return to P.S. 84 and for all the support along the way. Most of all, a super-sized thank you to every single 3rd grader. You inspire us!
Valérie Hallier, Teaching Artist
Reuben Sack, Teaching Artist
“Bright Light” by Hazel
I love dark and light shining stars in the night
I love dogs and cats that bark and scratch my imagination
I love the friends that make my life shine bright
I love to swim in a pool of love and hate
I love animals that come to hug me all day
I love lightning that sparks me
I love all of you as much as my bright light
Origin Story – Kapua
When I was little my parents were from two different dimensions.
My dad wanted me to be a superhero.
My mom wanted me to be a villain.
So one day everything changed.
My parents sent me to a weird planet called earth.
Community Poem – Ms. Pena’s Class
My community means the taste of your friends’ lunch and the feeling of community is united
My community is filled with unity and good food and fresh air and good music
My community is filled with laughter and chatter
My community feels goooooooooooooooooooood, like getting a new yoyo
My community sounds like hard work
My community feels like the softest bunny or cat in the world
My community has sway
My community is beautiful as a flower garden
My community is like a marshmallow melting over the hot fire on a Saturday night with the stars shining above
My community is beautiful as a flower garden
My community feels like unity and kindness
My community feels like sitting next to a warm fire
My community tastes like ice cream
My community is like birds migrating and helping to find food together
My community feels Good!!!
My community is like waves crashing the beach with teamwork
My community feels like cats getting a mouse!
My community is beautiful like a family of birds working together
My community is beauty beyond the sea or a garden
My community is a peaceful united world that will never rebel because we are kind
My community will always be working together
My community is strong and happy
My community is powerful and amazing
My community is powerful and unstoppable!
