Comics, T-Shirts, and Big Ideas: 12 Weeks of Creativity at PS 56

For 12 weeks, students at PS 56 The Louis Desario School got to do something most kids only dream about — create their own comic books and design their own t-shirts.

The after-school program, supported by IlluminArt Productions, split into two halves. For the first six weeks, teaching artist Shawn McArthur guided fifth graders through comic book illustration — from panels and speech bubbles to finished one-page stories. Every student walked away with a printed book featuring the entire class's comics. For the second six weeks, David Nudelman took those same creative instincts and showed students how to turn their ideas into wearable designs, teaching them how to build t-shirts using tools like Canva. Teaching assistant Ms. Donna supported students in the classroom throughout the full program.

On the last day, students sat down for interviews and filled out reflection sheets about their experience. What they shared says more than any recap could.

In Their Own Words

When asked what they learned, the answers ranged from the practical to the profound.

"I learned to never stop dreaming." — Nathan

"I learned that wherever I am, I can be myself." — Milana

"Never back down to something that is hard." — Ellie

"When something started, you can't back down. You keep trying." — Ali

"I think that art is a way to show who you are. I think it's one of the best things I ever done in the world." — Alana

"Making t-shirts and comics isn't that easy, but you could persevere through things." — Nicole

"At the beginning I was kind of nervous, but throughout all the weeks, I was getting more confident." — Arianna

The Designs

Every shirt told a story. Ali's read "There's no one I'd rather be than me" surrounded by butterflies. Amelia's said "Spread peace to the world" — because she wanted her design to inspire and motivate other people. Alana's was based on a movie she loved called Just That Magic, with magical elements all around the design. Arianna put a cat named Ginger on hers — a cat she saw at a pet shop that got adopted before she could take her home. It was her way of keeping Ginger close.

The comics went just as deep. Arianna built hers around stopping bullying in schools. Arya created a whole universe of original characters — Oopie, Lionelog, Cube, Bolly, and Labid — and was already working on a new comic starring all of them before the program even ended.

Their favorite parts? Making shirts. Making comics. Making friends. One student, Aria, summed it up in one word: "Everything."

When asked if they'd tell a friend to join, the answers were unanimous. Daniel said he'd tell "actually a lot of friends because it's very fun." Milana said "you should really do art, the teachers are the best." And Arya kept it simple: "Just do it. If you feel like it, you should."

Why It Matters

A 12-week after-school program can't change a kid's life overnight. But it can plant a seed. When a fifth grader learns that the ideas in their head can become a comic book or a t-shirt — something real, something they made — that changes how they see themselves. They stop being consumers and start being creators.

That's what IlluminArt Productions continues to make possible across Staten Island — programs that meet kids where they are and show them what they're capable of.

Just the Beginning

Every student who walked into that classroom left with a comic book, a t-shirt, and proof that their ideas have value. Whatever comes next for these students — they now know that dreams can become reality. We hope you don't stop dreaming.

Photography by Ms. Donna

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