A flock of nearly 1,000 paper cranes flies across the back of the stage in the Jose Ortega Elementary School cafeteria. The impressive art installation is the backdrop for the school assemblies, class pictures, fifth grade graduation, and Friday morning sing-alongs.
This project was overseen by San Francisco artist Aiko Cuneo, who led the fourth and fifth graders in folding the cranes.
This is one of the many art installations Cuneo has worked on with Jose Ortega students since she started teaching art at school in the late 1980s. Cuneo helped students create the rainforest murals hanging in the cafeteria and the clay panels decorated with smiling children who welcome everyone who walks through the school entrance.
This year Cuneo has returned to the school with her niece Lilli Lanier to teach painting and drawing. Each student will attend eight one-hour classes with one of the artists.
Cuneo likes to teach painting and drawing because it allows for creative expression.
“The students all start with the same sheet of white paper,” says Cuneo. “And then they all create something different. They have to make choices as they create their project but unlike a math equation there’s no right or wrong. And I like that they’re not tested at the end of the project.”
The students will use a variety of materials: temper paint and pastels, markers and water, and water color. They will also go through a “printing process,” by creating stamps with a foam material.
The goal is to get every child represented on the wall in the hallways.
“They’re proud when they see their work on the walls. I remember what it felt like when I was a child, and it felt good. And it’s amazing how the children respect the art on the wall. It inspires children. They see it and they think I can do that too. And they show their parents what they have done.”
Cuneo is the daughter of famed artist Ruth Asawa, whose work is on display in museums throughout the world including the de Young in San Francisco. Asawa is best known for her wire sculptures created in the 1950s, but here in San Francisco she’s recognized for starting the Alvarado School Arts Workshop in 1968. Asawa started by working with students at Alvarado Elementary School, but the program eventually spread to public schools throughout the city.
Like her mom, Cuneo thinks it’s important to bring arts into the public schools, so children from all backgrounds have the opportunity to pick up a paint brush, fold an origami crane, make a self-portrait. “I love being right there with the kids,” Cuneo says. “What brings me so happiness is seeing the joy art brings children. I watch so many children blossom as artists, and these are children who might be struggling in other areas.”
Cuneo has worked at schools throughout the city but she especially appreciates the Jose Ortega community. “It’s one of those hidden pearls,” Cuneo says. “And the principal really values art. That’s important.”
