Two high-school students in the Caribbean Art History course at Esperanza Cyber Charter School (ECCS) received new laptop computers for participating in the Taller Puertorriqueño Art Show on December 3, 2022. Both Anthony Martinez and Angelina Santiago Martinez were among the first 50 students to enter their artwork for display in the show, and a third student from the class, Niky Hiraldo, also submitted work, which was placed on display for the crowd to admire during the event.
The Caribbean Art History elective at ECCS is equal parts social studies and fine arts, with a focus on the cultural traits of Caribbean art, as well as the lives of influential artists of Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. Students in the class learn to recognize the cultural influence of Caribbean art history in the world as they engage in regular opportunities to practice relevant art techniques. The course developer and teacher, Bernice Arce, lives in Puerto Rico, and encouraged her students to participate in the Taller No Art Show. Despite some initial apprehension about submitting her work, Angelina said, “In my art class, we all work together and help each other out. My art teacher is one of the reasons I entered the contest, because she encouraged us to do our best.” Echoing warm sentiments about the unique course offering, Anthony commented, “My Caribbean Art History class is one of the best that the school offers. The idea of learning the background of many different cultures while seeing how other artists in that area crafted their art is incredible.”
Both students who received laptops from the organization were grateful for the opportunity. “Not only did we get rewarded for submitting our art, but there was also an area of free books,” commented Anthony, who continued, “I recommend giving Taller Puertorriqueño a visit one day, since it’s truly a blessing.”
