Barberton Students Celebrate History Through Art and Storytelling

Intermediate school students create portraits and soundscapes to document their community's past and present.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:21pm

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Students at Barberton Intermediate School in Ohio are celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States and the 135th birthday of the City of Barberton through an art and storytelling project called 'We Are All Magics: Listen to What We Look Like.' The project, funded by the Ohio Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and Barberton Community Foundation, has students creating self-portraits and portraits of influential community members, as well as learning the art of soundscape or Foley to enhance their projects.

Why it matters

The project aims to help students learn about their community's history and the diverse people who make up Barberton, while also developing their artistic skills in portraiture and sound design. By documenting their town's past and present through art, the students are creating a legacy that will be displayed for the public to experience.

The details

As part of the project, students interviewed successful adults from the Barberton community, including veterans, public servants, teachers, artists, business owners, community leaders, parents, and senior citizens. They learned about each person's background and contributions to the town. Students also created either a self-portrait or a portrait of someone influential in their life, which will be exhibited at the White Rabbit Galleries. In addition, they studied the art of soundscape, or Foley, to enhance their projects with realistic sound effects.

  • The student art exhibition will be on display at White Rabbit Galleries from April 4 to April 11, 2026.
  • The project, 'We Are All Magics: Listen to What We Look Like,' is funded through 2026.

The players

Sophia Claar

A fifth-grade student at Barberton Intermediate School who created a portrait of her grandfather, Dewayne Long.

Aubree Smith

A fourth-grade student at Barberton Intermediate School who created a fabric portrait.

Tallece Parks

A fifth-grade student at Barberton Intermediate School who created an artwork.

Dara Harper

The teaching artist helping students create portraits of their community.

Mary Norman

The art teacher at Barberton Intermediate School overseeing the project.

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What they’re saying

“As we work, we talk about leaving a legacy, learning from others and loving our community and those around us. Through art and story, we are documenting our place, as we are and where we are today, on the timeline of our country and of our town.”

— Mary Norman, Art Teacher, Barberton Intermediate School

What’s next

The student art exhibition at White Rabbit Galleries will be open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through April 11, 2026.

The takeaway

This project empowers Barberton students to celebrate their community's history and diverse residents through creative self-expression, developing valuable artistic skills and a deeper appreciation for their town's past, present, and future.