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Art in Action
What does your safe place from stress and worries look like?
Room 205
My artwork is inspired by a teacher who has changed me, Ms. Samantha
Alvarado. I have developed a bond with her throughout the school
year and now she is the only person I look forward to seeing at
school.
- Krystina, Socorro ISD
Sunset Overview
Safety, just like a sunset, does not come right away; it is
something that grows little by little. At school, we feel safer when
we learn to trust ourselves, others, and the place we are in.
Sometimes we do not notice the changes quickly, but over time, we
realize how safe and calm we feel.
- Kamila, Burnham Wood Charter Schools
A Summer Without Me
The idea of a beach represents peace to me while I am at school,
offering a calming escape from the stress of academics. The sound of
the waves and the vast ocean reminds me to find moments of stillness
and balance, helping me to stay clear-minded.
- Isabella, Burnham Wood Charter Schools
Safe Packs
My artwork presents three lunchboxes, each one symbolizing the
presence of close friends who provide a sense of safety and comfort.
The companionship and shared moments with them have been important
throughout my high school experience so I wanted to portray this
like a refuge from life's anxieties. A safe place is not necessarily
a location but rather the presence of those who bring understanding
in stressful times.
- Ana, Burnham Wood Charter Schools
Safe Place
I created this piece of art because many kids suffer from mental
health problems. That is why in school you need a counselor who will
listen to you and know who you are. The most important thing they
can help you with is to work through issues in your life.
- Juliana, Burnham Wood Charter Schools
A Corner to Enjoy
For me, lunch is social because I can be with my friends, relax, and
forget about homework for a while. While we eat and talk, I enjoy
the peaceful atmosphere, watching a magnificent tree and palm tree
move with the wind. This place makes me feel safe at school, like a
little refuge where I can be myself, surrounded by nature and happy
moments. Every day at lunch feels like a break and a time to enjoy.
- Josselyn, Burnham Wood Charter Schools
The Passion
Playing with a soccer ball is my safe place because it helps me to
relax and forget my problems. Playing with the school team can also
provide a place to relax and feel safe with others.
- Nicholas, Burnham Wood Charter Schools
Safe Marine Place
Just like the ocean is full of color and life, school is full of new
opportunities. Most of the students search for teachers to help
them, just like fish rely on other marine life to flourish.
- Diego, Burnham Wood Charter Schools
Safe and Calm
I created my artwork thinking about a place that makes me feel safe
and calm. Sitting in my car before going into school is my place to
think and prepare and it allows me to feel safe.
- Omar, Burnham Wood Charter Schools
Freedom
In my school, art is everywhere. There are paper crafts, a whole
board of art you can add to, walls of poetry, and so much more. This
is what a safe space should look like. Where people have freedom of
expression and can create anything they want. When I pick up a
pencil, all my stress and worries pour into each stroke on the paper
and melt away entirely. Art is a safe space, free from stress and
worries, and it is important we are able to express that.
- Gabriella, Northwest ISD
Sunsets on the Beach
My artwork shows that I love going to the beach and watching the
sunsets. This is where I feel free from stress and worries.
- Khloe, Bullard ISD
Finding Calm in Chaos
The biggest problem I experience at school is that it is often
chaotic and stressful, however it is also my safe place. I get to
see friends and focus on schoolwork instead of other problems
outside of school.
- Shae, Bullard ISD
Melodic Safe Haven
My artwork represents Choir as a musical haven that saves many
students from the stress, fear, and pressures they might have from
schoolwork or life. The girl in my drawing can be found drowning in
her success and the pressure to get straight A's and win constantly
in different competitions.
- Victoria, Brownsville ISD
The Library of Imagination
The artwork I created is a one-point perspective that shows how
peaceful a day at a school library is, away from any stress and
worries. Every time I go to the library, it always feels very serene
without any discord between students. The depiction of my safe place
from stress would be a library because we have the freedom to choose
what we want to read, listen to music, or even just be there for the
activities. So, the library is what had inspired me to create this
drawing because of the soothing feeling you get when away from
stress.
- Diana, Brownsville ISD
Band Memory
My safe place in school has always been band. It is an organization
that I have been a part of for 6 years! I painted a picture of one
of the happiest moments our band program has experienced. We won a
grant after a fiesta competition, and we were able to use that money
for our program. I painted each member of my band along with my band
directors. I love every single person in this program.
- Alexa, Fort Sam Houston ISD
The Refuge of My Soul
My artwork represents the safe place and refuge in my life. I chose
to create it this way because drawing, music, my family, and
especially books have been that 'safe place' for me during difficult
or stressful times.
- Paola, Gruver ISD
Filled with Thought
My artwork was inspired by my art classroom and my school. The idea
of creating artwork at school makes me feel safe. It's a place where
I can express myself freely, where there's no need to argue, and
where my interests are truly supported.
- Karime, Brownsville ISD
Arting My Worries Away
My artwork depicts me standing strong against the challenges and
doubts I face as a teenager, holding a paint palette that symbolizes
the transformative power of art. To me, art is a profound expression
of emotion, and this drawing represents my safe haven or a space
where I can freely convey my feelings.
- Sofia, Socorro ISD
Comfort Place
As an artist, I enjoy expressing my feelings and experiences through
art. My artwork is based on the stress I feel at school, contrasted
with the safe place that helps me escape that stress. Art has slowly
become a part of me, and because of that, I now have a place to take
refuge. In this piece, I wanted to express my perspective when I
draw. I included papers related to school, especially college. To
represent my safe place, I added my art supplies and headphones,
which symbolize music.
- Natalia, Gruver ISD
Art Haven
Art in school is a non-judgmental space where I, as a student, feel
comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, and exploring my
creativity. Art is my safe place.
- Nathaly, Burnham Wood Charter Schools
Honorable Mentions
Safe Students
A safe place for me and my classmates is one that has proper safety
measures and security in place. The presence of police officers to
protect us would make a big difference. With enhanced security and
safety precautions, I would feel much more at ease in school.
- Leslie, Edgewood ISD
We Are Safe
I added multiple handprints and painted 'We are Safe' with a green
heart in the center to show how our community stands united in the
belief that we are safe together.
- Jahlyn, Ferris ISD
Blossoms of Serenity
The bold red petal in this drawing symbolizes warmth and courage,
reminding me of a childhood memory spent in a garden full of vibrant
flowers. The rich green leaves represent the safety and comfort of
that familiar space, a sanctuary where laughter echoed and time felt
endless. The choice of red was inspired by a favorite flower from a
grandparent's garden; a bloom that stood tall and proud, radiating
beauty and strength. The magenta bud recalls moments of picking
flowers, with hands stained by bursts of color, while the soft pink
bud evokes the tenderness of petals carefully held in small, curious
fingers. The golden yellow center reflects the sunlight of carefree
days spent playing outdoors, feeling warmth on your face. Together,
these colors tell a story of joy, resilience, and the soothing
embrace of nature which reflects childhood when flowers were more
than blooms, but symbols of comfort and happiness.
- Zahara, Burnham Wood Charter Schools
Relax Football
My artwork relates to a safe school because of the importance of
playing or training in a sport, specifically soccer on a field or
inside the school. I believe this would make me feel safer.
- Raul, Burnham Wood Charter Schools
Beach
The island with the palm tree symbolizes a safe place, just as
school should be a place where students feel protected and
supported. Just as sailors need a safe harbor, students need a
school environment free from danger, one filled with respect and
wellbeing, and where they can grow with confidence and peace of
mind.
- Valeria, Burnham Wood Charter Schools
Inhale, Exhale Trees
My artwork symbolizes students and school safety through elements of
nature, where the strong trees represent a supportive foundation and
their branches offer protection. The flowing water reflects a clear
and safe path for students, guiding them toward growth and success.
- Adriaa, Burnham Wood Charter Schools
Place of Peace
The idea of what a safe space would look like inspired me to connect
it to my school through a peaceful scene. The trees and grass
represent the greenery at my school, and the bunny symbolizes the
idea of having class pets around the school to create a safer, more
comfortable atmosphere.
- Sebastian, Burnham Wood Charter Schools
The Hills
My artwork shows how art can help people relax and relieve stress,
especially since many people feel sad or face problems. Art is a way
to use your mind to move away from negative thoughts and shift
toward creativity, allowing you to express your full potential. Many
teens struggle with closing off their minds and feeling out of
control, often making poor choices. Through my drawing, I try to
help teenagers by encouraging creativity as a positive outlet.
- Marco, Burnham Wood Charter Schools
Individuality
A safe place for me is one that expresses individuality, where
everyone is free to express themselves, just like in art.
- Camilla, Northwest ISD
Comfort Zone
My inspiration came from the Community In School's room, which I
always visit during lunch.
- Bianca , Brownsville ISD
Backyard Stillness
A safe place, to me, looks like summertime. I enjoy going to my
grandparents' pool to relax and escape from reality.
- Hannon, Gruver ISD
Birds of Peace
I have always loved birds, as they bring me peace. That is why they
represent my safe place.
- Maria, Pine Tree ISD
