Teacher and students at a Fordham school take
2
2020 26,April a unique approach to art during COVID
WEEKLY BY JASON COHEN
He explained since they
According to Minetti,
For more than 25 years,
are not in school, kids
the majority of the students
Larry Minetti has been
having been doing assignments
have told him learning
BRONX teaching art. But the Pelham
with items they fi nd
art virtually is fun because
Parkway resident
in their home.
it’s tough to keep up
has never had to do it virtually
They have used watercolors
with the core classes.
until now.
to make a self portrait
“Kids have said it’s relaxing
Fortunately, the lifelong
and other kids used
and therapeutic,”
Bronxite is allowing
lipstick and makeup. In
he said.
his students to be creative
the next few weeks the
With two teenage
and use unique ways to go
teens will learn about
daughters of his own, he
about their work. From utilizing
fonts and lettering.
realized that being away
things like makeup,
The youngsters were
from their friends and
lipstick and clothing, their
also tasked with fi nding
classmates is a challenge.
out-of-the-box thinking
objects and clothing that
Not only is it diffi cult to
has impressed him.
would represent a famous
learn, but it’s taking a toll
Minetti has taught art
piece of art. One student
on them emotionally, he
for 26 years and is in his
used peanut butter, salad
shared.
second year at Fordham
dressing and milk cartons
In addition to teaching,
Leadership Academy at
to depict a Van Gogh
he has made sure to check
500 East Fordham Rd.
painting.
in on their well-being.
“It’s been a challenge,”
“I was totally blown
“I’m trying to keep their
Minetti said. “You’ve
away,” Minetti said. “This
spirits up,” he explained.
never seen anything like
is so new I didn’t know
“Besides teaching them
com it. You can’t assume that
what to expect. I was both
I’m trying to make them
these kids have certain
impressed and proud that
happy. It doesn’t have to
BXTimes.materials. It’s not like
they went above and beyond.”
be all happy about teaching
we’re in my classroom.”
at the moment.”
www.Bryan Galdamez - he is doing a fl oral abstract piece in pastels.Credit: Photo courtesy Larry Minetti
The consensus amongst
been stuck at home for too
the students is that they
long, Minetti said. Furthermore,
want to return to school.
many are sad
a lot for granted. We’re at
They understand what
that prom and graduation
the school so much we’re
is going on but they have
may be axed.
family. “They’re just really upset,”
he stated. “We take
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/www.Bryan