Cesar Chavez Academy Art Residency

For more than 20 years, Living Arts has supported creative classrooms through arts integration programs in Detroit, pairing passionate teachers with professional artists. Last week, Living Arts launched a virtual residency with 3rd graders at Cesar Chavez Academy (CCA)! Teachers at CCA, in partnership with Living Arts teaching artist, Stephanie Howells, will lead a science/art residency with six classrooms. 

Art activities are on a weekly basis during school hours where students use 3-D clay (model magic) to mold environments and animals. Learning objectives include identifying physical traits of the animals based on student designs and discussing why they are well suited for certain environments. Third-grade science teacher, Ms. Cady remarked, “It can be challenging to get students excited about a subject when they are tapped out for the day, and I don’t blame them! It’s so amazing to watch my kids light up and participate in learning about science!” 

This is Stephanie’s 4th year teaching at CCA. This year, the class is virtual, so she encourages students to see their home as a laboratory and an art studio. She props a lab coat in the background to show the connection between art and science. Integrating hands-on sculpting into science instruction on a weekly basis allows students to develop their skills in creativity and self-expression. During the first day of class, there was so much excitement, engagement, and exploration!  

Stephanie’s work as a Living Arts teaching artist at Cesar Chavez Academy has garnered her trust among teachers and school staff. This year she hopes to build even more deeply with students and create animal sculptures that will live beyond the residency.