As an artist and educator, I wanted to take a moment to share a deeply meaningful experience from my teaching life. You may not know that I work as a high school art teacher, and today’s post is a little different—offering a glimpse into how my students and I explore history through art.

This past week marked the anniversary of a somber chapter in American history. On February 19, 1942, Executive Order 9066 led to the forced incarceration of thousands of Japanese Americans, a decision made in the wake of the Japanese military attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

As an educator and Asian American, this history has had a profound impact on me. I feel incredibly fortunate to have grown up hearing David Sakura’s story firsthand. His resilience and willingness to share his experience have been invaluable in helping others understand this dark period in American history.

I was honored to bring David to my school, where my students had the opportunity to hear his story directly. Their engagement and empathy were reflected in the powerful artwork they created in response. Seeing their visual interpretations of his experiences was deeply moving, and I am proud to share their work with you.

This summer, I also had the chance to see the artwork of Tokio Ueyama at the Denver Art Museum. I was struck by the beauty of his work, his talent, and his story of teaching art while in the camp. The resilience he demonstrated through his art and education is truly inspiring. His beautiful work offers a unique perspective on history and identity. You can view his artwork here:

The Life and Art of Tokio Ueyama

You can view my students' artwork and read more about David Sakura’s talk on my blog:

Art Created in Response to David Sakura’s Talk on Japanese American Internment

Reflecting on history through art allows us to engage with the past in a deeply personal and meaningful way. Through storytelling and creative expression, we ensure that these lessons are never forgotten. 

Thank you for taking the time to reflect with me.

Warmly,  
Christina