Expressions Beyond Borders- A reflection on my capstone project.
- Simon Zernicki-Glover
- May 15
- 3 min read
For my capstone project alongside Charlotte McDonald and Jerry Fu, I led an Art Workshop to Ukrainian refugees. Partnering with the International Institute of Los Angeles (IILA) and Jerry's club Teens at the Door, both of which help refugees feel at home in Los Angeles County, I have led two portrait drawing workshops.
In November, I taught a group of Afghan refugees how to draw faces. They were joined by other Poly students, and together we connected through drawing. I began the workshop with icebreakers and then jumped right in. I started with a slideshow about how art is expressive and shows what the artist thinks; I discussed the misconceptions of portrait drawing, and how portraits should convey what the artist sees physically and emotionally, so they shouldn't be exactly accurate. I showed examples of portraits by Van Gogh and Kahlo, and then handed out the step-by-step "How to draw a face" handout I created (attached below), while I taught the group how to draw a face by breaking each feature into simple shapes. Afterward, I discussed with the group how artistic skills are so important, not only as a way to unwind, but also as a way to see the world differently. We all reflected on our pieces and the process of drawing. At the end of the workshop, I made sure the participants knew they could take home the handout. This November workshop really left a lasting impression on me because I was able to connect with other students and share the joy of creativity.
On May 10, 2025, Jerry, Charlotte, and I led another workshop with Jerry's club Teens at the Door and IILA, this time for Ukrainian refugees. For the first half, I led another face-drawing session, and for the second half, Charlotte led a photography workshop. She guided the Ukrainian refugees in experimenting with glowsticks, lighting, and cameras to capture creative portraits of themselves. Seeing the joy on everyone's faces was amazing.
The reason I chose to teach portrait drawing is that I believe portraits really capture the artistic viewpoint of someone, and I believe they can bring people together. When you’re drawing someone while sitting next to 15 or 20 other people, all doing the same thing, it connects you. You start noticing different things in your friends. You start realizing more about facial expressions. It builds empathy. That’s why I chose portraiture as the medium for both workshops.
Throughout these workshops, I’ve been able to make real connections with those around me. I’ve realized how powerful teaching can be, and how art, despite differences in technique and experience, can really bring people together.
This project connects deeply to these Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 10: Reduced Inequality
I believe everyone deserves access to quality education, and that includes education in the arts. Organisations like IILA and Jerry's club Teens at the Door are so impactful because they ensure that everyone can have the opportunity to learn new things from one another, relating to SDG 10. I also believe that the mental health benefits of engaging in artwork contribute to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Art has been a fundamental part of my life, my sketchbook and my pencils have guided a lot of my decisions, but I’ve come to realize that without exposure, art is not something everyone naturally gets. Being able to share my passion and watch others experience joy through drawing was incredibly meaningful for me.
One of the things that worked really well was strong communication. I stayed in touch with Jerry since November, and I communicated with Mr. Caragher about my plans throughout the capstone process. If I were to change one thing, I might have added more options. I remember talking to Emma about potentially teaching art therapy courses due survivors of human trafficking as a backup plan; something I wish I had explored further because I have experienced, first-hand, art's healing properties.
This project taught me so much about myself as a person and as a teacher. I realized how much art means to me and how much I enjoy sharing it with others. My participants learned new artistic skills, but also, I hope, felt seen, welcomed, and connected. My biggest takeaway is how powerful creativity can be in building community and spreading joy.
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