Tapestry Project Guide
America’s 250th Birthday • NY State Art Project Open through June 2027
Tapestry of New York
Your Student Guide to Joining the Statewide "We the People" Showcase
Grades K–12 Online Gallery
What is this project? America is turning 250 years old! New York is inviting students to share what community, history, and belonging mean to them through art. Selected student creations will be featured in a statewide online gallery for all of New York to see!
The Big Theme: "We the People"
The U.S. Constitution begins with the famous words "We the People." 250 years ago, not everyone was included in that phrase. Over time, generations of everyday New Yorkers have fought to make sure more voices, cultures, and identities belong.
Choose 1 or more questions to inspire your art:
-
What does "We the People" mean to you today?
-
What makes you feel like you truly belong in your community?
-
Who in history or today fought to make our community more welcoming?
-
Who is still left out, and whose voices still need to be heard?
What You Can Create
You can use almost any visual art format:
Drawing Painting Collage Photography Digital Art Short Video Mixed Media
Note: Pure text (essays only) or audio-only files cannot be accepted. It must be visual!
File & Statement Specs
- 1 File Only: An image (JPG, PNG under 4MB) OR a video (MP4, MOV under 512MB).
- Video First Frame: Make sure frame #1 looks nice (it becomes your gallery cover).
- Short Artist Statement: Max 1,000 characters (about 1–2 short paragraphs) explaining your work.
Privacy Rule: Never write your last name, address, or phone number in your art or statement!
4 Rules to Get Your Work Approved
1. 100% You
No AI tools. Must be your own original creative work.
2. Respectful
Uplifts human dignity, diversity, and community unity.
3. No Stolen Art
No brand logos, Disney/Marvel characters, or copyrighted pop songs.
4. Safe & Private
Keep personal details hidden. First names only in public display.
How Submissions Work (With an Adult)
You + Teacher or Parent/Caregiver
1
Adult Registers Your teacher or parent registers online and receives a submission code.
2
Parent Permission A simple consent form is completed depending on age and school rules.
3
Upload & Celebrate Upload your file + written statement. Once approved, it joins the showcase!
My "We the People" Project Planner
Brainstorm your ideas and draft your required 1,000-character Artist Statement
Student Planning Sheet
First Name: ___________________
Grade: ______
Teacher / Program: ______________
Step 1: Pick Your Question & Big Idea
Check the prompt(s) you are answering
What "We the People" means to me in my everyday life Who is included in my community and what creates real belonging A historical or modern hero who fought to include more people People or groups who still feel left out and need support
In 1–2 sentences, what is the main message or feeling of your artwork?
Step 2: Choose Your Format & Key Visuals
Check one format
Drawing / Ink Painting Photography Digital / Video
What symbols, colors, people, or places will you draw/film?
Step 3: Draft Your Written Statement
Max 1,000 characters (~150 words)
Write 1–2 paragraphs answering: 1) What is happening in your artwork? and 2) How does it answer: What does "We the People" mean to you? (Do NOT write your last name or where you live!)
Ready-to-Submit Checklist
100% my original work (no AI generators used) No brand logos, cartoon characters, or pop music No last name or private details anywhere Artist statement is written and proofread
