2008 Grant Proposal Details

Explorations   Family School

Total: $2000

Description:  This grant would fund the art component for the 2008-09 year of Explorations, a one-hour class scheduled 4 days a week for 5-7 week sessions throughout the school year; specifically, one session of Japanese folk arts (exploring the techniques and symbolism of fabric and paper arts in Japan), two sessions of Yarn Arts (multicultural uses for yarn including spinning, weaving, embroidery, and Mexican yarn paintings); also, a shorter session (four hours in each classroom) of Drawing (the basic skills of drawing contours, negative space, perspective, overlap, and composition).

Why is this important?  An arts education has a great impact on the developmental growth of every child involved, and has proven to help level the learning field across socio-economic boundaries. It also strengthens student problem-solving and critical thinking skills, adding to overall academic achievement and school success.

Who will be served?  All grade levels, 1st through 5th, are mixed for Explorations, and class size is generally 15-20 students. In the first three sessions, 45-60 students will be served; the final drawing sessions will be conducted in each of the five Family School classes, serving every student in the school.

How will this be evaluated?  With our cultural studies our students will see a direct connection with the art they experience in these explore classes and their classrooms cultural studies. We see the high interest in these explore classes when students sign up for their choices.

Does this build on existing programs?  Explorations classes have been a part of Family School curriculum for 20 years. Explorations allow students to explore their personal interests; they choose from classes in many disciplines, such as Computer Publishing, Spanish, Circus Skills, Paper Engineering, Recycle Art, Rain Forest Ecology, Dramatic Arts, and Gardening.

Budget:  75 hours of artist in-class teaching, at $25/hour = $1875 Supplies = $125

Proposal #:  41