Dickinson High School Students Collaborate to Create Space-Inspired Art at Johnson
Dickinson High School students visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center on June 13, 2023, to install their space-inspired and Renaissance-themed art mural on the third floor of Building 4S, which houses International Space Station Program personnel.
Led by their shared passion for artistic expression and space exploration, the students joined together to bring color, wonder, and creativity to the walls at Johnson.
Students from Dickinson High School work together to install their art mural on the third floor in Building 4S at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The artwork is displayed in the hallway outside of Room 3419, where it will remain indefinitely. Credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel
The art installation project is part of a long-term effort to engage with students locally and globally to ignite the imagination of all. This project wouldn’t be possible without the help of Gary Johnson, technical manager in the International Space Station Mission Integration and Operations Office, and Raul Tijerina, building graphics lead for the International Space Station Program.
Johnson and Tijerina make it a point to collect and display various art projects throughout Building 4S, collaborating with students who are interested in space exploration. Their goal is to enhance the visual work environment for employees while inspiring students to think creatively about space and exploration goals.
“I could not think of anything more important than using the talents of our local schools,” said Johnson. “My ultimate goal is to do as many installations as I can before I retire.”
“This program gives art students who normally don’t get to participate in NASA activities a chance to contribute and make our environment more beautiful,” said Tijerina. “We want students to know everybody has a place at NASA.”
From the left are Avery Minasi, Cadence Foster, Jennifer Sumrall, Isabella Rodriguez, and Essence Hines. Credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel
The students involved voiced their excitement about the unique opportunity to contribute to NASA’s legacy through their artwork.
Jennifer Sumrall, an art teacher at Dickinson High School and sponsor for the National Art Honor Society, expressed the students’ enthusiasm and the project’s educational value. “Everyone wanted to be involved. Both students and teachers faced the challenges of a group evolving project,” she said. “The kids loved it and did their own research on how each of NASA’s missions impacts the world.”
Pencil art of astronaut Michael Fossum’s selfie during a spacewalk. A compilation of drawings from the Jim Schulz art project are displayed on the third floor of Building 4S, adjacent to the elevator lobby. Credit: NASA/Lauren Harnett
A collage of artwork from various artists at Johnson is featured in the halls of Building 4S. The art collection keeps evolving and growing to showcase the beauty of integrating art and science.
Most of the artwork is provided courtesy of the nonprofit SciArt Exchange. The organization aims to support science and technology education and spark the curiosity of all ages to propel humanity toward new frontiers. It does so in part by hosting art competitions, such as the Project Mars Competition, where adults compete to have their art featured at Johnson, and the Moon Youth Competition, showcasing lunar-themed artwork from students worldwide.
Painting of the Apollo Skylab spacewalk by artist David Hughes. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
Artist David Hughes depicts historical photographs from the Gemini and Skylab programs. A collage of Hughes’s space-themed imagery is located on the fifth floor of Building 4S, adjacent to the elevator lobby.
Gordon Andrews gives Dickinson High School art students an immersive tour of Johnson. Credit: NASA/Sumer Loggins
Afterward, students enjoyed a guided tour of Johnson led by Gordon Andrews, a strategic communications specialist for the International Space Station Program. Students got a first-hand look at Johnson’s Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility, Mission Control Center, and Neutral Buoyancy Lab.
“Art and science are intertwined,” said Andrews. “You can’t have technology without soul.”
While art allows for interpretation, the art mural required structure, communication, and creative problem-solving to accurately represent the wonders and dedication of space exploration. Johnson will continue to embrace "STEAM,” the art in STEM, to empower the next generation of explorers.
See how Johnson inspires the Artemis Generation to continue to Dare | Unite | Explore.
Enjoy more images of the art installation for Dickinson High School below.
