"Artists' self-portraits are critical to our understanding of both portraiture and the history of art. They are the form in which many artists have come to be remembered, offering insights into their lives, surroundings, and even their state of mind. Artists have recorded their likenesses to advertise their skills, to practice their craft, to explore their inner turmoils and desires, and to transmit to posterity a signature image". (Liz Rideal, Insights: Self-Portraits)

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At Brookside Elementary, students create a self-portrait each year, on the first two days of art. They create one portrait per year. The portraits are then displayed in the halls for a month, so the students can all enjoy the art work. After the month concludes, the portraits are removed and carefully stored away.

 

When the students enter 5th grade, they complete their fifth and final self-portrait. We then go into the vault and pull out the students portraits from first-fourth grade and assemble them together into a timeline format.

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As the students receive their old self-portraits, the room is filled with shrieks and squeals of delight, happy mortification & laughter. It is by far, one of the most memorable days of art for the students, and the teacher, as well. 

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The portraits, once assembled, are hung in the hallway for the school to view. It is wonderful to enjoy a visual representation of the students' artistic growth over five years.