Beyond the Canvas: How Art Inspires Students at Blair G. Ewing Center

“I just liked how the colors mixed with water. I hope people feel peace and joy when they see it,” said Javon, a 12th grader.

John Charles, art teacher at the Blair G. Ewing Center has spent the past seven years shaping the visual arts program, providing students with meaningful, creative outlets, while fulfilling their art credit requirements. Blair G. Ewing is one of MCPS’ alternative education programs, designed to support students who have been unsuccessful in their home schools for a variety of reasons. For Charles, art is more than paint, paper or digital tools. It’s a pathway for students to find pride, identity and voice.

“Our art classes blend several studio media, printmaking, sculpture, photography and digital arts,” said Charles. “My background is in fine-arts silkscreening, so we often layer abstract effects with drawing or photographic elements and blending various media in compositions.”

A hallmark of Charles’ approach is giving students the freedom to connect their art to their personal interests. Projects often center on self-portraits or cultural icons, sparking enthusiasm while building confidence. 

“I made this picture of my favorite artist because I feel like I could relate a lot to his music,” said Michael, a 12th grader. “I tried to use a whole bunch of bright colors to create energy swarming into him, but leaving the blank spaces so that his face is visible.”

Blair G. Ewing’s Principal Damien Ingram has witnessed the transformative impact of art in the program on students. 

“Their artwork has beautified every location we’ve been housed in, motivated students and inspired staff,” Ingram mentioned. “More importantly, it shows the world another side of our students—that they are capable, talented and have something meaningful to offer.”

That motivation is amplified when students’ work reaches beyond the school walls from the Superintendent’s Fine Art Gala to being accepted into University of Maryland Global Campus’ Maryland High School Juried Art Exhibition. 

Walter, a 10th grader, created a digital self-portrait layered over paintings: “It was really just experimenting with colors and overlays. It came out cooler than I expected.”

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For Charles, these discoveries are what make teaching rewarding. 

“Getting to know the students is my favorite part,” he said. “They are fantastic, interesting young people and every semester is a process of discovery for all of us.”

As National Arts in Education Week celebrates the power of the arts, the Blair G. Ewing Center serves as a reminder that creativity is not just about technique or talent. It is about giving students the tools to see themselves differently, take pride in their accomplishments, and imagine new possibilities for their futures.

“Seeing student work displayed in the halls and hearing peers compliment it can change how they see themselves,” said Charles. “Some of my favorite moments are when students who once felt that art wasn’t for them create something they’re genuinely proud of.”

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