Baldwin High School students donate paintworks, photographs to family courts

Baldwin High School students donated their paintings and photographs to Nassau and Suffolk County Family Courts, hoping to offer comfort and relief to individuals navigating challenges faced in family court.

The high school hosted a ceremony to recognize students’ submissions, which were revealed and displayed on easels for guests to see before it was sent to local courthouses. 

“It has been a true honor to have witnessed our students not only create amazing pieces of art, but also giving their art to a cause that gives back to our community,” Gabriella Franza, assistant director of instructional programs, wrote in a news release. “Being mindful, not only of ourselves, but of those around us in need is so incredibly important, and our students exemplified this understanding in the most incredible way possible.”

Students collaborated with the family courts through the Mindfulness Through Art project with the help of the high school art teachers, which initially started as submitting art to nearby hospitals. The initiative aligns with the high school curriculum’s focus on civics and “students as producers,” enhancing the learning experience for everyone.

“Knowing that our student artists’ work will live in an exhibition that many people will have an opportunity to see is a proud moment for our students and teachers,” Andre Poprilo, director of fine and performing arts for Baldwin Union Free School District wrote. “The Mindfulness Through Art initiative will benefit our Nassau and Suffolk Family Court partners with many moments of human aesthetic.”

Baldwin High School student Mia Biazon said at the ceremony that she found the experience highly rewarding and was grateful Baldwin students were given the opportunity to use their artistic talents to assist others.

“My piece that I will be sharing with the courts called ‘Hope and Dream’ was created to help bring joy and inner peace to my own life when thinking about my future,” she said. “I hope that this piece can bring this same feeling of joy to those that view it in times of stress. Making art helps me reflect on my worries, and so I created this piece to help soothe myself and now I am so happy that it will be able to soothe others.”

Baldwin High School student Keturah Rodriques, explained the importance of the project during the unveiling ceremony.

“In the high-pressure environment of family court, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of emotions and lose sight of our fundamental purpose: to serve families with fairness and compassion,” she said. “Mindfulness offers us a way to stay grounded and centered, allowing us to better serve those who come to us in their times of need.”

The artwork can be found in courthouses throughout the island.