In-School Arts Reflection
This school year looked different than any other year before! However, our In-School Arts Program still served over 300 students using art strategies based on sculpting, painting, music, and creative storytelling. In-School Teaching Artists relied on technology to connect with their students, and to be honest, it was weird.
Professional Artist Stephanie Mae RichWell recalls her first virtual session with 3rd graders at Cesar Chavez Academy.
“I gave students editing access to a JamBoard [an extension made by Google] to collaboratively brainstorm, which got out-of-hand quite quickly as a swarm of multicolored pen tools frantically zipped around the page and with a random sprinkling of stamp symbols. In an in-person classroom setting, I can anticipate how students will engage with supplies so I control either with distribution OR instruction. I realized I had no experience in this digital space and, therefore, no anticipatory mayhem safeguards in place!” Stephanie adjusted her process for subsequent classes and quickly learned there are aspects of the virtual world that are just out of our control. There were times when microphones didn’t work or cameras stayed off but it was Stephanie’s safeguards and consistency that stood out in an all-virtual year.
Ms. Byes, a 3rd-grade teacher at Cesar Chavez Academy, spoke about co-teaching this year with our Living Arts residency. “Stephanie was able to capture that child-like innocence and give it back to my students in a language they were able to understand and enjoy. The information or techniques were not too high for them and even if it was a stretch they felt good about displaying their talent.”
With virtual settings, Teaching Artists are constantly innovating and adapting their practice. It also helps that some of them are tech-savvy as graphic designers and sound designers. Teaching Artist and founder of Black and Brown Theater, Emilio Rodriguez, is ready to take on virtual classes next year while staying prepared to go back in person when it’s time. When asked what he will add to next year’s classrooms, Emilio said, “I’d love to incorporate more props and music and ‘trunk show magic’ ie: using small items to build big worlds.” Emilio worked with over 75 students virtually at Schulze Elementary in creative storytelling this past year.
Other highlights from our all virtual school year include collaborating with over 15 teachers and teaching aides throughout the school year. Living Arts was extremely adaptable to our school partner’s schedules and needs. Teaching Artists also got to know parents on a deeper level since they were cast into a student’s home. “Being able to connect with parents and family members who were able to observe the class and join in on some exercises and dancing moments enabled me to build stronger relationships with the students and build trust with parents who were able to see exactly what I was teaching their children,” says Emilio.
Despite it being a strange year, our in-school Teaching Artists persevered and made it to the finish line. Adapting to online learning has given our team new challenges and Living Arts takes great pride in giving students a creative outlet for self-expression, whether virtual or in-person. A special thank you to our school community partners Cesar Chavez Academy, Schulze Academy for Technology and Arts, and The Community Education Commission. We look forward to seeing you in person next year!
