JFS students are engaging in a meaningful interdisciplinary Studio in Art project that connects visual art, music, and social awareness to explore issues of food insecurity within their own community.
The project is inspired by “Nana and the Gator,” an original song by Orlando, Florida–basedsinger-songwriter Liz Nash. Through close listening, discussion, and visual storyboarding, students 
examined themes of resilience, environment, and the quiet strength of everyday people facing hunger. The song serves as a narrative foundation for students to explore how art and music can communicate emotion, culture, and empathy.
As part of this unit, students are studying food insecurity at local, state, and national levels. To deepen their understanding, students visied the Union-Endicott Food Support Center, where they learned how the organization serves families within the Union-Endicott community. During the visit, students participated in a guided question-and-answer session to better understand how the food bank operates, who it serves, and the role of community connection in addressing hunger.
Students then applied their knowledge creatively by producing a collaborative music video inspired by “Nana and the Gator.” Working as a Studio Des Crew, students illustrated scenes from the song, translating lyrics into visual storytelling. Singer-songwriter Liz Nash will serve as a creative consultant for the project, collaborating with students periodically via Zoom as they bring the song’s narrative to life through student-created artwor“This project allows students to see how art and music can spark important conversations and deepen understanding of real-world issues,” said art teacher Anna Strattan. “By connecting creative work with community learning, students begin to understand how empathy, storytelling, and civic awareness intersect.”
The project reflects the Union-Endicott School District’s commitment to experiential learning and arts education that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and community engagement. Through this process, students are learning that creativity is not only a form of self-expression, but also a powerful tool for understanding and connecting with the world around them.
