For the ninth year, the David Labkovski Project (DLP) partnered with the Multicultural Learning Center (MLC), a dual-language English and Spanish charter school in Canoga Park, to bring Holocaust education to students through art, history, storytelling, and creative expression.
Throughout the semester, eighth grade students participated in DLP’s multidisciplinary, project-based educational program, engaging deeply with the artwork and life story of Holocaust survivor and artist David Labkovski. Guided through the school’s English Language Arts program, students learned to critically analyze Labkovski’s narrative artwork from both historical and personal perspectives while exploring themes of identity, resilience, empathy, and human rights.
The program culminated in the student-curated exhibit Documenting History Through Art, where students presented original artwork and reflections inspired by Labkovski’s work. Through poetry, music, visual art, fiber arts, sculptures, collages, and mixed media pieces, students interpreted history through their own creative lenses and personal experiences.
The DLP program was conducted in both English and Spanish, creating accessibility and deeper cross-cultural engagement for students and families within the MLC community.
As part of the experience, students also developed leadership and public speaking skills by serving as exhibit docents and peer-to-peer educators. During the exhibit, students guided classmates, teachers, parents, and community members through the installation while discussing the historical themes, artistic decisions, and emotional connections reflected in their work.
Student participant Ofilia reflected on the experience, sharing:
“DLP has given me a unique way to learn about the Holocaust through art. It was more than learning facts or dates. It was about analyzing and understanding the emotions behind each piece of art created by someone who truly lived through it.”
The exhibit also demonstrated the impact of DLP’s educational model on the broader school community. One exhibit visitor described the program as “inspirational,” noting its role in countering antisemitism and hate while fostering youth leadership.
Dennis Flores, an eighth grade English Language Arts teacher at MLC, described the partnership with DLP as a natural and meaningful collaboration that allows students to connect history, art, and storytelling in impactful ways. Parents also reflected on the emotional and educational growth they witnessed in their children throughout the program.
The student exhibit Documenting History Through Art highlighted the continued success of DLP’s long-standing partnership with MLC and the organization’s mission to empower students to preserve history, combat antisemitism, and engage their communities through art and education.
