Amy Leidtke

I have long been interested in how collaborative drawing, such as Exquisite Corpse, which originated from the Surrealists in the last century, can break down barriers, start important conversations, and make visual communication less intimidating. This peice was made by sixteen people, who addressed the essential question, What does Freedom of Expression mean to you?. The investigation was field-tested with local G9 - 12 students in RISD's Davies Design Connections, a special Project Open Door after school program. Participating students were from the William M. Davies Career and Technical High School. Daylynn Richards was my teaching assistant. Together, we used art-making as an entry point to create meaningful learning progressions not only 'Visual Arts and Design,' but also in 'Written and Oral Communication,' and 'Civics & Government and Historical Perspectives,' all important areas of academic performance as identified by Rhode Island Department of Education's Grade Span Expectations. Reflectively, I realize this type of exercise is an effective team-building device, as well as a tremendously powerful equalizer, serving to give a voice to every participant, no matter their characteristic or learning preference.