Several Marion County High students created historical figures to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans, while commemorating Black History Month. Artist Yeimy Romero Vail said that she was excited to select Rosa Parks: “Since I was little, I liked Rosa Parks because she reminded me of my mom. My mom’s name is Rosa too.”
Students constructed the busts with the assistance of ESOL teacher D. Adams. Adams taught students how to use wax and clay to sculpt features of the bust around a Styrofoam armature, as well as how to use oil paints shade the skin and facial features. Students then dressed up their creations with clothing and wigs before putting them on display in the school cafeteria.
Other students pitched in to help. Junior Lamiya Thomas used oil paint to make Mrs. Parks’ features appear historically accurate. Thomas also sculpted the second-place winner in the museum: a bust of Malcolm X.
To practice speaking skills and to close the project, ESOL students utilized technology to create a short video about each bust in the museum. Students voted to determine the best piece of art in the museum, and one student creation stood out above the rest: Yeimy’s and Lamiya’s bust of Rosa Parks. Congratulations Lamiya and Yeimy!