For Schools
Quotes from MAC Artists in the Schools/Communities Residencies
Make Learning Magic
"You said you were having an author, not a magician!"
"One of my favorite outcomes was the story of a 6th grader who suffered a brain injury last year and had lost interest in life and his sense of humor. Poetry proved a boon for him with its non-linear expressions. His mother thanked me and said he was writing 3-4 poems every night. But in reality, the best stories/quotes are the poems themselves, which we will send when compiled."
From a teacher's aide and the artist after a poetry residency in a middle school
Make Kids Feel Important
"What benefited my students the most was the chance to work with
artists — people besides me. Also, how exciting the lessons were and how
important and like artists you made them feel. I have always been uptight
about art and my ability to make it. Art's relaxing, fun, makes kids feel
important. Art expands creativity, teaches things in a different way.
Great lessons! Well planned and organized. Always moving — no dead time.
Thought provoking."
From a 3rd grade teacher to the artists after a visual art residency
Everyone Can Shine
"Teachers were amazed at how they saw students who do not excel at
other areas of academic work really shine during art class."
From a parent after a visual art residency
Integrate
Science and Art
"One of my favorite lessons was a tile project collaborated on by
a middle school science teacher and our middle school art teacher. Children
researched migratory birds, then created a ceramic tile depicting their
bird. The tiles traveled to the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge's
annual celebration of migratory birds, Migration Mania, and later will
be installed as splash boards behind the new middle school's water fountains."
From a parent on a long-term ceramic residency at a small K-8 school
Poetry Gives Success
"Another student who refused to complete most of her work, answer any
questions, or do any homework, came alive during poetry. She wrote two
poems for every class assignment and is still bringing in poems for me
to read. Poetry has given her success and she will now pass 7th grade.
Poetry has shown her how to be a successful student."
From a middle school teacher after a two-week poetry residency
Develop
Numerous Skills
"Some teachers expressed student retention of academic ideas was
much better when presented in a theatrical way, and that students were
consistently enthused when working with theatre in the classroom. Other
teachers expressed that they could see differences between groups/classes
who were involved in this program and those who were not. Stronger associative
skills, willingness to take risks, better physical and vocal projection,
and more confidence were traits exhibited by many students involved."
From an artist/mentor after a special project where teachers were mentored in their classrooms on the basic skills and knowledge of theatre and how to integrate it with other subjects
Art Is Social Glue
"Art,
this program, in this case—poetry, brings people together to honor
individuality, to celebrate each other's lives through poems. It is more
than an exercise in tolerance. Art holds up the mirror to life. Poetry,
the sharing of it, celebrates our differences and (more importantly) what
we have in common. Art, poetry strengthens us, our communities. Sharing
our feelings publicly is healing. Art is social glue"
From a poet after a week-long middle school residency.
You too can provide a remarkable opportunity for students and teachers. All these quotes are from residencies funded through the Montana Arts Council's Artists in Schools & Communities grant.
