CONCORD, N.C. — "Art is the highest form of hope," is a quote hanging in Sue Nieske's classroom. The words took on a new meaning when the pandemic hit.

After months spent in virtual learning, Nieske wanted her students to roll up their sleeves and get messy. Their assignment was to create a panel focused on the theme of unity.

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One of her students painted a panel of the city of Pompeii. It represents how throughout history human beings have healed and persevered in the face of tragedy.

"[It is] where we are post-pandemic — that we are actually not covered in ash, that we have hope going forward," Nieske said.

Another student created a rendition of Frida Kahlo's "The Two Fridas," except one of the Fridas was clenching a face mask.

 "[It represents] the angst and the heartache of the pandemic," she said.

Nieske hopes the panels help her students unleash their creativity and their feelings.

"I tell them all the time you don't have to make it happy. It can be dark," Nieske said."I tell them all the time you don't have to make it happy. It can be dark," Nieske said. "Art is a way for them to explore those conversations."

The final products will soon be decorating the halls of Harris Road Middle School.

"When the viewer walks by it, you want them to really stop and feel something. You want to send a message," Nieske said.

Inside her classroom and beyond, creative solutions can be the answer to real-life problems.

"Our kids need to be creative, and we need to do whatever we can to allow them the freedom and the time and the materials to do that," she said.

There are more than 30 acrylic wood panels total.

They will be installed after the holiday break.