Lesson 6: A Letter to New York

In this final class, we continued our discussion of changing neighborhoods and exploring our personal memories and family photographs in conjunction with how neighborhoods look now on Google Maps. We went around Astoria Park with Lydia and Passaic New Jersey with Lori.  It was really fun to zoom around together on a tour of those places.

Then we transition to talking about the two-week homework assignment; a photo series on a neighborhood you feel a connection to.  We saw through each other’s eyes what makes a neighborhood unique– what makes up its identity.  Our class photographed people, architecture, food, street life, and religious institutions. Sharing their artistic interpretation of what life is like in that specific place at this moment in time. Some presentations used the order of images to tell a story, some focused on certain subjects like architecture. It was really a joy to be able to hear the stories and thoughts of the artists as they took us on a journey through their neighborhoods. Fiona showed us community-centered aspects of Manhattan’s Chinatown, she even gave us some recommendations on where to shop and eat! Hong took us through Hollis Queens on an architectural tour, Jillian and Olivia showed us their favorite parts of Flushing Meadows Park and the larger Flushing area including images of their friends and neighbors.  Lori took us on a recreational tour of Kissena Park where we got to people-watch along with her.  I shared some of my photographs from the town, Choachí, that I stayed in when I was traveling in Colombia. I think we all gained an appreciation 4 looking for some of the little details around us every day,  appreciating the character of a neighborhood and the people in it.  Seeing New York through an artist’s eyes is always a pleasure, thank you all so much for sharing your beautiful photo series. 

I had so much fun teaching this class and I’m so proud of all of the amazing work that you’ve produced. I’m glad to have been able to introduce you to new techniques, styles, and ways of thinking about art.  I hope you all continue making, doodling, and observing the world around you in a creative way. I look forward to staying in touch and seeing our work together at the Queens Museum!

Much love,

Cristina!