INTRO. TO ART

Designs by Our Students.

Our Intro to Art students bring their creativity to life through hands-on exploration of different artistic techniques and materials. From concept and sketching to constructing their own piñatas, each project builds creativity, craftsmanship, problem-solving, and real-world artistic skills.

2026

In 2026, we hosted our first cohort of Into. to Art students. Their goal was to create a piñata that told a story about them.

By Paloma S. (2026)

My piñata is shaped like a light bulb with a small butterfly resting on top. I chose a light bulb because it represents ideas, creativity, and the ability to bring light into dark places. Just as a light bulb turns on when we need to see, it also symbolizes the moments when we discover new ideas and solve problems. The butterfly represents growth, change, and helping others. Although people are not butterflies, we all have the ability to encourage one another, share ideas, and make a positive difference in someone else's life. Butterflies also remind me of the beauty of nature and the importance of exploring new places and experiences. Together, the light bulb and butterfly represent creativity, kindness, and personal growth, showing how our ideas and actions can brighten the world around us.

By Tania H. (2026)

My piñata is shaped like a lantern to represent the holy month of Ramadan, a time when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, pray, and spend meaningful time with family and friends. At the end of Ramadan, we celebrate Eid, a special holiday filled with prayer, family gatherings, gifts, and gratitude.
Ramadan is important to me because it strengthens my faith and creates lasting memories with the people I love. The colors of my piñata-green, black, white, and red-represent the Palestinian flag and
and honor my family's heritage. Palestine is an important part of my identity, and I hope to visit one day to experience its culture, history, and traditions. If I could place something inside my piñata, I would choose a keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian scarf that represents my culture and carries deep meaning beyond its design. This project reflects the two most important parts of who I am: my faith and my heritage. My piñata is more than a decoration-it represents my identity, my family, and the values that continue to shape my life.

By Zalonih C. (2026)

My piñata represents my love for my little sisters and the place they call home. This is my first year in the Pasos All Stars program, and I was inspired to join after seeing my older sister enjoy the program and create her own shoe design. Since I also enjoy being creative, I wanted to make something meaningful to me.
3l Stars
200.5
My piñata is shaped like Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy, one of my little sisters' favorite characters.
I designed Groot as a girl to represent them, and I added the Mississippi state flower because they live in Mississippi. Although they live over 500 miles away, they are some of my favorite people, and I wish I could see them more often. I used bright, cheerful colors inspired by their personalities and favorite colors. More than anything, my piñata represents the love I have for my sisters and the happiness they
bring into my life. It reminds me that no matter how far apart we are, our family will always stay connected.

By Matthew M. (2026)

My piñata is designed as a Minion to represent my experience with Pasos for Oak Cliff. I chose a Minion because they are hardworking, positive, and always work together as a team. These qualities reflect the values I have learned through the program and remind me to continue growing as both a student and a person. I used the colors red and blue because they represent Pasos for Oak Cliff. The red symbolizes determination, leadership, and strength, while the blue represents trust, loyalty, and community.
If I filled my piñata, I would include candy and encouraging messages such as, "Never give up," Work together," and "Be a leader." These represent the lessons I have learned about teamwork, responsibility, and perseverance. Building my piñata was challenging because cutting the cardboard evenly and assembling it with hot glue took patience and determination. In the end, this project represents not only my creativity but also the values and confidence I have gained through Pasos for Oak Cliff.

By Dania C. (2026)

My piñata is shaped like a circle and tells the story of my Mexican heritage through two traditional foods. One side represents a De La Rosa mazapan, a classic peanut candy, while the other side is designed as a concha, a traditional sweet bread with a decorative shell pattern. I chose the circular shape because it symbolizes tradition, community, and the shared experiences these foods bring to family celebrations. I personalized the mazapan by replacing its flower with a plumeria, my favorite flower
which reminds me of my time in Mexico and represents love, beauty, and new beginnings. The concha features a blue file design inspired by the beautiful fountains, churches, and homes found throughout Mexico, celebrating the country's rich culture and creativity. Inside the piñata, I would include confetti, candy, small toys, and pesos, just like many traditional piñatas. To me, the surprises inside represent the idea that every person has unique qualities waiting to be discovered.