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Creating Connections Through Community Art: A Schoolwide Kickoff Project 

At Northside Elementary, Principal Liam Dawson and his team saw an opportunity to bring their school together through a powerful and creative idea—a community-wide art project to kick off the school year.

Idea from Liam Dawson, Principal of Northside Elementary School in St. James

A Vision for Engagement

Northside has long prioritized the arts, serving as a partner school with Turnaround Arts, a program of Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. But Liam and his visual arts leadership team wanted to go beyond traditional arts instruction to create an experience that would unify students, families, and staff even before classes start, during their open-house night. They envisioned a project that not only welcomed families into the school building but also allowed them to leave their mark—quite literally—on a collaborative work of art.

From Concept to Creation

Starting in 2021-2022 and each year since, the school’s visual arts teacher, Lisa Becker, leads the way in designing a unique art piece that unfolds in stages. When students and families arrive, they are invited to add their own artistic touches, creating a shared experience that symbolizes the collaborative spirit of the school community.

Over the years, Northside has explored a variety of artistic styles:

• Sculptural Assemblage in the Style of Louise Nevelson – Students and families added details and depth to a monochromatic sculpture, watching as the piece evolved into something greater than its individual parts.

• Jackson Pollock-Inspired Splatter Painting – A playful and expressive experience where families contributed vibrant bursts of color using unconventional tools like golf balls.

• Community Weaving Project – A textured, tactile piece that symbolized interwoven connections within the school.

• Collaborative Landscape Painting – Families worked with fine-tip markers to create intricate patterns within a broader landscape, with the final details drawn in by the school’s art teacher to bring the full image to life.

Each finished piece is displayed prominently within the school, transforming previously bare walls into a vibrant showcase of student creativity and community involvement.

Building Community Through Art

The impact of this initiative extends beyond the final product. As families work together in the art room, they engage in organic conversations, strengthening relationships with one another and with the school. It fosters a sense of belonging as students see their contributions become a permanent part of the school’s environment.

“For us, this project is about more than just art,” Liam reflects. “It’s about every person—staff, students, families—adding their unique touch to something larger. It’s a visible, lasting reminder that we’re all part of this school community together.”

Overcoming Challenges

Like any new initiative, launching a community art project required thoughtful planning. Funding for materials was an initial consideration, but the team found that by keeping supplies simple and strategic,

costs remained minimal. Language accessibility was another key focus—Northside ensured that multilingual interpreters were available during open house night and used visuals to help guide participation.

To generate excitement, the school shared the project in advance through social media and messaging apps in multiple languages. “We wanted families to know what to expect, so they could feel comfortable joining in,” Liam explains.

How Art Contributes to Belonging 

Integrating art throughout the school environment provides students with a meaningful way to express their creativity, explore their cultural identities, and engage in open-ended thinking. Art encourages students to interpret, question, and share their perspectives in a supportive setting where there is no wrong answer. This inclusivity ensures that all students participate, feel valued and see themselves as artists. Students who are multilingual learners, receiving special education or those who may otherwise struggle to find their voice in traditional

academic settings can thrive in artistic spaces. Liam reflected, “We want everybody to make sure that we feel welcomed in our school and the community art project is a great way to do that.” By fostering a culture of creativity, Northside has created an environment where every student can be themselves and contribute in a way that is uniquely their own.

Advice for Other Schools

For schools looking to implement a similar project, Liam recommends starting with the school’s visual arts teacher. “Give them creative freedom to design something meaningful, and make sure they have the support they need. The key is to make it accessible, engaging, and something the whole community can take pride in.”

Schools may choose to align the project with an open house, conferences, or another community event to maximize participation. Most importantly, the project should reflect the school’s unique culture and values.

A Lasting Legacy

What started as an idea to bring people together has grown into a beloved Northside tradition. Families return year after year, pointing out past projects and reminiscing about the role they played in each one. The school’s conference room, once a blank and unremarkable space, now stands as a gallery of shared creativity—proof that when a school community comes together, they can create something truly extraordinary.