Creativity is already flowing in the new after-school art club at KIPP Academy of Opportunity.
Recently, club members took their first field trip to the California African American Museum, where students explored galleries filled with powerful artwork and storytelling.
During the visit, students spent time quietly observing the pieces around them—fully immersed in reflection and inspiration.
The art club was launched by Community School Manager Prisma Alvarez alongside 7th-grade history teacher Mr. Pacheco, who now leads the weekly sessions. Sixteen students in grades 6–8 gather every Thursday after school to experiment with different art forms, learn about influential artists, and grow their creative skills.
For Prisma, the club's goal goes beyond creating art — it’s also about helping students connect with their identity, culture, and shared human experiences.
“I hope students can learn that, no matter how different we may appear on the outside, our experiences, family backgrounds, and the ways we form our identities can be very similar,” Prisma shared. “I want this to serve as inspiration for our own students as they reflect on their identities and creative voices.”
The field trip was just the beginning. As the year progresses, students will continue developing their artistic talents, and a few club members are already preparing pieces to be showcased at the Museum of KIPP Art (MOKA) this May.
We can’t wait to see their creativity come to life.