Title: Art Activism: Sewing as a Medium to Amplify Youth Voices

This workshop is relevant in the secondary division, equity, diversity and inclusion for creating a new way for students to become activists, to be leaders, to speak on what’s important to them and to give them the tools to find their own voice. SJSA encourages students to consider the intersection of race and identity in their social justice pedagogy. Much of the student work created in these workshops directly represent the inequity faced by different races, genders, and sexual orientations in America. Giving attention and placing value on writing artist statements alongside art quilting skills allows students to exercise freedom of speech and to form new knowledge that raises their critical consciousness. The purpose of this presentation is to acknowledge sewing as a timeless art form that has the potential to help students connect more deeply with the arts, specifically through art activism. 

Content: Attendees can expect to gain ideas for curriculum to help students develop and express opinions both about a variety of social justice issues, as well as recognize and honor activists and upstanders who have fought or are currently fighting for equality in a variety of social justice arenas.

Impact of Practice: This presentation promotes best practices by sharing the SJSA theory of social change, which encourages students to consider the intersection of race and identity in their social justice pedagogy. Attendees will be provided with an enriching professional development opportunity to create their own art and interpretation of what social justice issues mean the most to them, as well as gain exposure to the range of issues faced by youth today while acknowledging common themes between communities.