Explore Sustainable Art Practices and Techniques
Ecos del Pasado
Big Idea
Bring a real piece of the past into the present and make time visible.
Essential Questions
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What from the past is worth carrying forward—and why?
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How can materials and methods show time?
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Who gets to tell this story, and what is my responsibility as an artist?
Your “Past Source” (bring one)
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Family photo or heirloom
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Recipe or song
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Community landmark, map, or school archive
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Cultural motif, textile, or ritual
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Historical artwork (re-examined)
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Nature’s records (tree rings, fossils, erosion)
Show the Echo (choose any 2+)
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Layering/palimpsest
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Repetition/motif
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Aging/patina/distress
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Juxtaposition (then/now)
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Remix/omission–repair
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Text fragments (names, dates, lyrics, recipes, headlines)
Medium Progression (new-to-you)
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Pick a new medium or hybrid (confirm safety/materials).
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Skill labs: quick demos + references.
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Swatches: 3 small tests to show control.
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Thumbnails: quick drafts/maquettes.
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Build layers using 2+ “time-visible” strategies.
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Mid-crit: feedback on concept & technique.
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Revise & finalize for presentation.
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Artist statement (4–6 sentences) + source credit.
Artist Inspiration
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Find 1 artist working in your medium (or closest).
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Bring 1 image of a work with a caption: Artist, Title, Year, Medium, Dimensions, Source link.
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Write 5 notes:
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Three visual features (layering, texture, color, scale, repetition)
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Meaning/context (whose past? what story?)
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How it echoes the past (time made visible)
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Technique to adapt (name the process)
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Where it appears in your piece (which layer/area)
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Test it in swatches → show it in your prototype.
Expectations
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Intermediate: new-to-you medium; 3 swatches + 1 prototype; clear link to a real source.
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Advanced (adds): higher technical risk (layer complexity, scale, precision); visible revision after mid-crit; strong research connection.
Rubric Snapshot
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Concept (30%): meaningful source + point of view
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Risk & Material Fluency (30%): new-to-you medium; swatches + final show control
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Craft & Intentionality (20%): clean, purposeful choices
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Process & Reflection (20%): proposal, research, mid-crit, statement complete
VAPA Event — October 23
ArtBeat presents “Ecos del Pasado / Echoes of the Past.”
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Offrendas (Spanish classes)
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Exhibition opening (Holmes students)
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Performances: folklórico, mariachi, band, dance, drama in costume
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Floral design displays, art carnival, stage in the quad
Your Role:
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Finish, label, and install your work
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Be ready to talk about your source & process
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Help with gallery prep & event flow
Ecos del Pasado
Student works - 2025
Mariah Berrelleza
The Past Surrounds Her
Collage & Oil Pastel
I wanted to capture my grandmother’s purity and innocence before the world had a chance to change her. I created this piece using old newspapers she had saved, connecting the materials themselves to her past.
Gavin Roberson
12 a.m.,
Mixed Media
This piece represents my thought process while I create. The colors I chose—reds, yellows, and greens—are the ones I use most often and reflect my energy and focus when working late at night.
Sebastian Fernandez
Hail Mary, 2025
Charcoal
I created a charcoal portrait of Tupac. I chose him because his story and the mystery surrounding his death have always inspired me. It took many years to uncover who was responsible, and during that time, his legacy grew stronger. This piece brings his name and influence back into focus.
Brissa Solis
La Virgencita de Guadalupe, 2025
Acrylic Paint and Oil Pastel
I used acrylic paint and oil pastels to create a painting of the Virgen de Guadalupe standing tall and watching over the night. She symbolizes the comfort and hope my family has felt throughout the years. The scenic night sky surrounding her creates a peaceful atmosphere that brings a sense of calm to those who view it.
Yulissa Mendoza
Traditional Commensality, 2025
Storytelling (Layout Plan)
My Echoes del Pasado project is based on one of my mom’s traditional recipes, passed down from my grandmother. Inspired by Cipe Pineles, who illustrated her own recipes, I used watercolor to paint each ingredient. On canvas, I painted the title and added text fragments of each step. Once complete, I’ll glue the watercolor drawings onto the canvas to bring the story of our family’s cooking to life.
