Constructing, Imagining, and Quilting a Story: Exploring Arts-Based Learning With Self-Portraits and Quilts of Identity and Influence

• In Event: Creative Coalitions: Considering Counterstories, Identity, and Performance

Abstract

During the summer of 2024, The Evans Lab and The Storytellers Lab collaborated with the Click Four Help, LLC for the inaugural research institute entitled, Brilliant Minds | Brilliant Stories as a part of our Black Joy & Identity Summer Collective with students housed in the New Orleans East. Our one week program consisted of 4-days of activities that were designed to dive deeply into identity-based stories through the arts and dialogue. The purpose of this work was to spread joy and knowledge through time and connection with our youth. Through self-portraits, youth focus groups, quilting, and storytelling, our youth helped us to curate a space to explore intersectional identity in the Deep South.

Authors

• Teairra Z Evans, Louisiana State University

• Asha S. Winfield, Louisiana State University

• DeQuinten Glenn, Click Four Help, LLC.