As a field trip, Art teacher Jessica Syzmanski’s students recently toured Norfolk’s NEON district with local mural artists Rick Nickel and Chris Revels.

 Along with the NEON district visit, students were also able to visit the “Beyond the Block” exhibit, featuring artwork created by Virginia Beach jail inmates. A Q&A session was held with the head of the jail who discussed the lives of the inmates, making good choices, and how art can be a means of therapy.

Students were the afforded the opportunity to participate in a workshop using “jail safe” materials.

“It was really eye opening and made them appreciate the little things, like being able to use a pencil and eraser,” Syzmanski said.