On a crisp, cool fall morning, the 3rd to 6th grade went on a serene mini-field trip through the halls of Dharma Realm Buddhist University (DRBU) to immerse themselves in the Fall art exhibit. This exhibition showcased an exquisite collection by three talented women artists: “The Practice of Weaving,” a tapestry exhibition by the local Ukiah artist, Stephanie Hoppe; “Pictures in an Exhibition,” which unveiled the mesmerizing watercolors by Palo Alto painter Lorraine Capparell, and “Looking Back and Forward,” a display featuring the splendid works of Walnut Creek artist Ema Kubo.

Combining artful thinking and mindfulness into their visit, the girls engaged in three distinct activities drawn from Harvard’s Education Project Zero, allowing them to connect with the exhibition on a deeper level. Some of these students were so inspired by the artwork that they felt compelled to express their sentiments through the creation of poems, capturing their reflections on specific pieces. 

During their visit to Stephanie Hoppe’s tapestries, the students participated in one of the initial activities, known as “See, Think, Wonder.” This exercise encouraged them to appreciate the entire collection and then select one piece to delve deeper into. Here are some reflections from the students:

I see a forest on the edge of an ocean at night. When I look at this piece of art, I feel free. It makes me think about how big the world is and how small we are. I wonder how the artist felt when she was working on the piece of art and if she was thinking about something specific when she made it.

Aralia, 3rd grade

“Stars at our feet sparkling like jewels.” What I see about this design is that the artist put in a lot of effort, thinking and work. I can see that she might be describing stars because of the squares. I wonder if the artist made this design because that is what she thinks when she looks at the stars. She also felt a sense of calmness when she made this design.

Sherry, 6th grade

The second activity, “Looking 10×2” was used while exploring Lorraine Capparell’s collection. Students silently observed an artwork of choice  and listed 10 words or phrases that come to mind. Here are some students’ lists: 

Big paint brush, beautiful colorful sunset, lake, mountains, tree, bigger than any other painting, I love this painting, Good job, Lorraine Capparell.

Zacari, 5th grade

Earth Mover, Moon, Reflection, Night, Shimmer, Jump, Splash, Ocean, Crescent, Light, Captivated, Lonely, Empty, Memories, Mist

Yasoda, 6th grade

In the final exhibition, students explored the featured work of Japanese American artist Ema Kubo. In this activity, they engaged in the “Perceive, Know, Care About” activity, which encouraged them to select a person, animal, object, or element within the artwork and immerse themselves in that perspective. Here are some insights into their experiences:

I’m a frog,

A small one at that, 

I feel happy and calm.

I believe not in gods nor demons,

But in reincarnation,

I care about oneself,

And one’s friends and family.

I’m a small, calm, quiet being,

Death of myself does not shake me,

Only the sad endings of others.

I’m a frog,

A small one at that ,

But I have a big kind heart,

And a calm soul.

Bayelle, 5th grade

I chose a lizard. If I was a lizard, I would find a place to hide. I would get food and come back.

Iris, 5th grade

I am the seahorse,

Lost in a maze of creatures.

I believe I can get through,

To find my family,

They are my heart. 

Celeste, 6th grade

The mini-field trip came to a close with a reflection circle, where students shared the creative responses they had documented during their experience.  These reflections highlight the students’ ability to connect with the artwork on a deeper level, revealing the profound impact of visual art in stimulating their imaginations and eliciting unique responses.