Creative Connections: Exploring Contemporary Multicultural Art
(4th/5th grade)
Creative Connections is a 5 session program for 4th and 5th grade students who have limited or no art instruction in their schools. We introduced this successful program for 4th in 1997. Since then, we have conducted the program in 27 Chicago Public Schools.
We “bring the museum to the students” with original, high-quality paintings, drawings, and sculptures that powerfully reveal how art can communicate new ideas and introduce different ways of looking at the world. The art is the focus of a group discussion led by our teaching artists, who guide students toward discovering the importance of their observations and interpretations. Students then take part in a hands-on art making project that stresses problem-solving and critical thinking.
They complete the program with an appreciation of contemporary art, a creative project of their own design, and the skills to make future “creative connections” with the world around them.
Request a brochure for Creative Connections
To schedule a program, please contact Program Coordinator Elaine Duhl (847/328-9222, artencounter@yahoo.com)
North Kenwood Oakland Charter School (Chicago)
We are completing the final year of a three-year initiative with students at NKO. This project follows the same children from kindergarten through the second grade. It employs discussions of original art and reproductions , exercises using various art materials, and . art projects that integrate into classroom curricula. The program also includes annual field trips to the Art Institute.
Gale Community Academy (Chicago, North of Howard neighborhood)
We are conducting arts integration with classroom curricula for 4th and 5th grades.
We are also doing arts programming at Avondale School, Darwin School (Logan Square), and Parker Academy (Englewood).
