When you walk into the Spanish classroom in our school, you might find yourself looking upwards instead of forwards. There are dozens of hand-painted tiles covering the ceiling- each recreating famous Spanish masterpieces and painted by Spanish students over the years.
The ceiling tile project is a long-standing tradition that combines creativity with learning about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. “The ceiling tile project has been passed down from many generations of Spanish 4 and AP teachers here at Pinckney High School,” explained Mrs. Strobe. “I wanted to continue the tradition not only because it is fun for the students but because it goes well with our unit on the study of Spanish art.”
Before beginning their tiles, students first spend time learning about Spanish-speaking artists and their work. “My goal is for students to be able to identify famous pieces of art and to really know these artists,” said Mrs, Strobe. After exploring different styles and historical contexts, students choose a painting to recreate and begin working with acrylic paint on white ceiling tiles. Over the course of three weeks, they carefully plan and complete their designs, bringing their masterpieces into life.
Beyond just creating art, the project is designed to help students connect more deeply with Spanish culture. “I hope students can connect to a Spanish artist and art style that inspires them,” Mrs. Strobe said. “I want them to be able to leave their mark on the school and to enjoy exploring art in a new and different way.”
Students say the project does exactly that.
Senior Julia Lindblade, an AP Spanish student, had been looking forward to the project for years. “I was so excited because I had heard about other students doing them and I had seen people do them a few years before,” Julia said. “I love art-themed projects, so this was a highly anticipated project for me.”
For her tile, Julia chose a piece called The Tartan ‘El Son’ by Salvador Dalí, because it was in her favorite style-impressionism. However, she also faced some challenges. “For me, the challenge was the time,” she said. “I spent a little more time on my painting than others, partly because I am a little bit of a perfectionist and wasn’t fully satisfied at the end of every day.”
Despite the challenge, Julia said the experience was about more than just the final product. “It not only allowed everyone to express themselves, but also allowed me to build friendships along the way,” she said.
Similarly, junior Holly Cooper shared her excitement when first hearing about the project. “When I heard that we were going to do the ceiling tile project, I was very excited,” Holly said.
She chose Fisherwoman from Valencia by Joaquín Sorolla, inspired by his use of light and impressionist style. Like Julia, Holly faced challenges in bringing her vision to life. “Adding enough contrast to make the darks and lights stand out, as well as proportionality, was most difficult for me,” she explained.
Despite that, Holly said the experience stood out as something unique. “I most enjoyed the opportunity to be able to just paint with friends in class-it was a unique and fun experience.”
For Mrs. Strobe, seeing these connections and the final results is the most rewarding part. “Seeing how proud my students are of their work is my favorite part,” Mrs. Strobe added. “The students help teach me new things through this project!”
Although she says she doesn’t have a single favorite tile, Mrs. Strobe admits she especially enjoys impressionist pieces. Still, she values every contribution. “I love them all because they are made by really special students, and it makes my room so vibrant,” she said.
With each new class adding their own work, the ceiling continues to grow, giving students an amazing opportunity to connect their learning to the real world and deepen their understanding of Spanish language and culture. Through the project, every student can quite literally leave their mark on the school.
