For “The Bento Project,” student artists focused on an important message they wanted to pass on to others. They used a combination of words and images to express themselves through their experiences, passions, past memories, adventures, beliefs, sayings, dreams and more! 

Inspiration for the design of this project was drawn from abstract artists like Mondrian and Torres-Garcia, linear and series art, graphic novels and the Japanese artistic food presentation—Bento. Each art piece entails separate images that come together as one united piece. 

Teacher Reflection 

As a student in the HTH GSE, I discovered a new confidence in myself through speaking out and sharing my ideas. Since then, the courage I developed through my experience has only continued to grow. Now I want my students to develop that same courage and to use the arts as a way to help share who they are and what they want to say to the world.

My students and I were very impressed with how the Bento project came together. We learned a variety of new art skills and techniques and most importantly learned so much about ourselves and one another. We were proud to share our personal ideas and in a creative way. The opportunities for student choice within this project were truly engaging and motivating, and made it easy for students to share what they were thinking and create truly unique art pieces with personal meaning. 

—Charlie Linnik 

Student Reflection 

I really liked looking for art resources because it’s cool to change them and add your own style- even though they help guide you. I also enjoy messing around with the watercolor and getting different painting styles and effects with it.

—Kayla N 

I practice art a lot. It is my hobby. With this project, I found shading and inking with the fine-point black pen challenging. It helped push my skills. I also found that the monochromatic watercolor process was fun to do.

—Ash L.