Riverwood International Charter School junior Michel Rodriguez is a semi-finalist in the "DREAM@50" art contest and her work is currently on display at the High Museum of Art.
With the support of Visual Arts teacher Dana Munson, Michel entered the contest last fall. The contest was open to students in grades K – 12 in 10 cities and is a tribute series for both the Civil Rights Movement and the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
Students were invited to create artwork inspired by a word or phrase from the speech. Michel chose the quote "Let us not satisfy our thirst for freedom (by drinking) from (the cup) of bitterness and hatred,” which she painted on the piece.
Munson said, “She has always been frightened by crows herself and felt like this was a good symbol to add to her piece. The crow symbolizes the fear that all people felt during the time of segregation.”
Michel was one of just two high school semi-finalists from Fulton County schools. Her work was recognized at the MLK ceremony in Atlanta on January 19.
The High exhibit is in the Greene Family Education Center on lower level of the Stent Family Wing.
