At HOLLA School, art is more than creativity—it’s a bridge between education, culture, and community. Through hands-on projects, mentorship, and real-world experiences, our scholars learn to honor traditions, tell their own stories, and see the value of their artistic voices. With the support of the Walking Together grant, we can continue to uplift young artists of color, providing them with the resources and platforms to thrive.

Three framed children's drawings, each depicting a different person, displayed on a wooden floor. The left image shows a person with short hair and a thought bubble saying 'I have a dream.' The center image has a person with the name 'Booker' written above. The right image portrays a person with the name 'Pelé' on their shirt.

How Art Shows up at HOLLA School

At HOLLA School, art is woven into our curriculum as a tool for learning, storytelling, and cultural preservation. Through mentorship and hands-on projects, scholars explore history, identity, and social justice while developing creative skills to share their stories. From classroom projects to public exhibitions, creativity and culture are at the heart of our learning experience.

Let’s take a closer look at how art enriches our education.

Celebrating Culture Through Creativity

HOLLA School scholars use art to celebrate their cultural heritage, tell community stories, and express their lived experiences. Through painting, sculpture, digital media, poetry, and performance, they honor Black, Brown, and Indigenous traditions while reimagining their narratives for the future. Their work reflects themes of resilience, activism, and identity, fostering connection and dialogue. At HOLLA School, art is more than creativity—it’s a tool for preserving culture and amplifying scholars’ voices.

Children in a group singing, with one child holding a microphone and another wearing blue earmuffs.
Children participating in a group activity on a blue mat indoors, with drawings on the wall in the background.
Child holding a notebook with drawings and writing in a classroom setting, with other children in the background.
A young girl standing in a classroom holding up her notebook, showing a drawing and writing. The classroom has colorful decorations and students in the background.
A round table scattered with crayon drawings of faces and various colored crayons. Several sheets of paper feature child-like portraits. Crayola crayon boxes are visible, and books are visible in the background.
Colorful children's drawings of people displayed on a concrete wall in a hallway, with a group of children and adults gathered to the right.
Children's drawing of a lion and mountain with coloring crayons on a table.

Bringing History to Life Through Art and Storytelling

At HOLLA School, scholars engage with history daily through immersive lessons that blend culture, creativity, and representation. They learn about influential figures who have shaped the world, exploring their stories through reading, discussion, and hands-on artistic expression.

Many of our art lessons are facilitated by young OSU student and artist Bella Campbell, who helps scholars bring history to life through portrait-making and other creative projects. Through this mentorship, scholars don’t just study the past—they see themselves in it. These lessons reinforce our mission to uplift artists of color, preserve cultural traditions, and empower scholars to use creativity for self-discovery and change.

Group of cheerful children and adults posing in front of art display featuring child-drawn portraits on a wall in a hallway.
A child holding an open notebook with drawings and writings, in a classroom with other children sitting at desks in the background.
A group of children and adults gather around a traditional drum in a classroom setting. The adults and some children are seated on chairs, with two individuals holding drumsticks. A larger drum is in the center, adorned with yellow and black bands. Children are sitting in colorful chairs, attentively watching the demonstration.
A diverse group of children and adults gathered indoors watching a cultural drum performance. A child dressed in traditional attire sits at the center, while others hold drumsticks. People in the background are taking photos and videos.
A diverse group of people, including children and adults, gathered around a large drum. Some individuals hold drumsticks, and there is a sense of community and engagement. The setting appears to be indoors, possibly a classroom or community center.
Children gathered, one in traditional attire with colorful blanket and fur accents, holding a rattle, during an event with a drum.

Celebrating Indigenous Artists and Traditions Through Music

Indigenous Peoples Day 2024 was a powerful celebration of culture, community, and artistic expression at HOLLA School. We were honored to welcome Kenneth “Kenny” Shields, who brought fellow Indigenous artists Dominique Arthur, Tim Burns, and Ambrose Meanus to share their drumming traditions with our scholars. Kenny’s daughters, Tacori and Ashah, and his nephew, Zakai, joined in full regalia, demonstrating the beauty and significance of Indigenous dance.

Beyond the performance, Shields shared how the drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth, calling us to listen, connect, and celebrate. By supporting Indigenous artists and immersing scholars in these traditions, we deepen their understanding of culture, storytelling, and the role of art in preserving history. Engaging with live performances like this fosters appreciation for diverse artistic expressions and reinforces our commitment to uplifting artists of color while empowering scholars through meaningful cultural experiences.

Children sitting in a classroom, watching a cultural presentation with two people in traditional attire at the front.
A group of children and adults gather around a large drum, engaging in a drumming activity in a community center or school setting. Some kids are dressed in casual clothing, while one child wears a colorful traditional outfit. The room has posters and artwork on the walls, and folding chairs are visible in the background.
A diverse group of people, including children and adults, gather around a large drum, participating in an indoor community event. The room has colorful chairs and artwork on the walls.
Children and adults participating in a drum circle inside a classroom, with an audience of young students seated on the floor.
Children painting a white fence with colorful handprints and drawings while wearing yellow safety vests.
Children gardening under a canopy, filling seed trays with soil, wearing safety vests.
Child wearing a safety vest with colorful painted hands in front of a wall with multicolored handprints.

Cultivating Creativity, Culture, and Community with Play Grow Learn

Through our partnership with Play Grow Learn (PGL), HOLLA School scholars engage in hands-on experiences that connect art, nature, and cultural traditions. Whether planting seeds, harvesting produce, or leaving their artistic mark on community spaces, scholars learn the significance of land, sustainability, and food traditions rooted in communities of color.

This collaboration goes beyond farming—it empowers young learners to see the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation. By integrating artistic expression with environmental stewardship, scholars gain a deeper understanding of their role as creators, caretakers, and storytellers. PGL’s work aligns with our mission to nurture young artists and leaders, equipping them with the skills to sustain traditions while building a thriving future.

Children and adults in a garden picking lettuce, wearing bright yellow vests, with trees and a house in the background.
Children wearing reflective vests participate in a planting activity, handling soil and planting trays, with adults supervising in the background.
Child in a garden wearing a safety vest, holding a bag, surrounded by leafy greens and other children.
Children harvesting lettuce in a garden, wearing reflective vests, with one adult helping.
Children and adults posing in front of a colorful Day of the Dead altar decorated with flowers and photographs.

Honoring Tradition: Exploring Día de los Muertos Through Art and Culture

Last fall, we explored the traditions of Día de los Muertos, teaching scholars about its deep significance in Hispanic culture. Students created ofrendas in their classrooms, bringing in items and images to honor loved ones they’ve lost. They also crafted papel picado, a traditional folk art used to decorate altars and spaces during the holiday, symbolizing the connection between the living and the dead. Scholars enjoyed pan de muerto, a customary sweet bread, while staff embraced the celebration by wearing traditional attire, showcasing their own cultural heritage. Through hands-on art and immersive experiences, scholars not only learned about history but also saw the power of cultural expression in education, fostering pride, understanding, and a deeper connection to their community.

Teacher and children in a classroom sitting on a colorful carpet, engaged in a group activity. The teacher is holding a craft and the walls display color charts.
Children in a classroom showing a green paper with cut-out shapes, supervised by an adult.
Two people dressed in traditional Day of the Dead attire with floral headpieces and colorful embroidered clothing stand in front of a decorated background featuring marigold flowers and photos.
Two children with braided hair smiling and using a laptop in a classroom, with a pink water bottle and worksheets on the desk.

Empowering Young Innovators with MESO

Our scholars showcased their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit by presenting unique business projects to educators and families. Over the past few months, they developed business ideas, designed logos, crafted mottos, and perfected marketing pitches—blending artistic expression with real-world skills.

This opportunity was made possible through MESO (Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon), an organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs—especially people of color—by providing education, mentorship, and resources for business ownership. Through MESO’s guidance, our scholars learned the fundamentals of entrepreneurship while using creativity to bring their ideas to life. By integrating art, business, and cultural empowerment, we are preparing young leaders to shape their own futures while honoring the traditions of community-driven enterprise.

Children and a woman standing in a school hallway with artwork and posters displayed on the wall.
Students collaborating on a laptop in a classroom setting.
A group of children and an adult interacting in a classroom with art projects on the wall. The projects include handwritten and colorful drawings. One child in a floral dress is smiling and holding papers.
Three children sitting at a table using a Chromebook laptop, with papers and worksheets nearby. Two children are wearing red shirts and one is in a black hoodie. They are smiling and looking at the camera, suggesting a positive learning environment.
Group of people in a colorful classroom setting, featuring a table with a mannequin head, wigs, and promotional materials. A poster displays information about wigs and beauty products. Children and adults are seated or standing around the tables, with educational posters and decorations on the walls.

Learning from Black Business Owners and Creators

We had the honor of welcoming the founders of Callie’s Custom Hat Wigs, DC Ringz, and Stakcinng Kicks—all Black-owned businesses led by designers and entrepreneurs—to speak with our scholars. These creative visionaries shared their journeys in business, design, and artistry, inspiring scholars to see the power of their own creativity. By connecting with successful Black artists and entrepreneurs, our scholars gain firsthand insight into how art, culture, and innovation can shape their futures while strengthening the legacy of Black excellence in our community.

My People’s Market

Our scholars took their creativity beyond the classroom by running a booth at My People’s Market, where they showcased and sold their artwork while gaining hands-on entrepreneurial experience. They priced their pieces, engaged with customers, and managed transactions, developing both artistic and business skills.

Through My People’s market and Prosper Portland, scholars connected with a network of BIPOC entrepreneurs, learning how art can be both a passion and a sustainable career. Together, they raised over $1,500, demonstrating their dedication and creativity. Stay tuned for our recap video, where scholars share their experiences running the booth!

Celebration of Learning

HOLLA School’s Celebration of Learning is a powerful showcase of scholars’ creativity, cultural exploration, and academic growth. This event provides a platform for students to present their artwork, performances, and projects—demonstrating how education and creative expression are deeply intertwined.

Through visual arts, storytelling, and hands-on exhibits, scholars share how their learning connects to their identities, histories, and communities. The event fosters cultural pride and collective storytelling, reinforcing HOLLA’s commitment to uplifting artists of color and ensuring that traditions remain vibrant in the next generation. By engaging families and the broader community, the Celebration of Learning highlights the importance of culturally rooted education and how art serves as a tool for preserving and evolving traditions.

To see more of our scholars’ incredible artwork, follow us on Instagram @hollaschool, where we share their creativity every week!