This year, Baldwin High School’s art and Spanish departments are coming together in a unique cross-curricular project, thanks to a grant from the Baldwin Education Foundation (BEF).

The BEF, a local organization dedicated to supporting innovative education in Baldwin City, awards grants each year to teachers who submit creative proposals aimed at enhancing student learning.

 Among this year’s recipients are Becky Weaver, the high school art teacher, and Spanish teachers Katie Marten and Berenice Applegate, who collaborated to design a project connecting art and language through the creation of Alebrijes vibrant Mexican sculptures of mythical creatures often associated with Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Through this project, students in Spanish II and art classes will research the cultural significance of Alebrijes, then design, sculpt, and paint their own using clay, with guidance from Ms. Weaver. The project blends language, culture, and artistic expression encouraging students to learn through creativity and collaboration.

“I was pleasantly surprised to receive this grant,” Applegate said.

“This was something Ms. Marten, Ms. Weaver, and I were really excited to bring to our classrooms and share it with our students,” Applegate said

“One of the highlights of the experience, shared, was seeing BEF representatives and district administrators visit classrooms to personally announce the grant winners. It was inspiring to see how many teachers throughout the district received grants and how many creative ideas are being brought to life in our schools,” Applegate said

In reflecting on the experience, Applegate added, “I’d like to thank BEF for all of their support of teachers, students, and public education here in Baldwin. They’ve made so many projects possible and continue to be such an asset to our school community.”

Thanks to this grant, BHS students will soon bring colorful Alebrijes to life, celebrating both art and language in a meaningful, hands-on way.