2003 - 2004 Arts 25 Projects

Arts 25 is a home-grown district program that supports teachers and schools in providing at least 25 meaningful and unique experiential arts opportunities to Saint Paul Public School students each and every year. Arts 25 celebrates the arts as a core academic area; promotes the richness and abundance of Saint Paul and Minneapolis arts resources, artists, and venues; complements in-school arts learning and instruction; and helps meet state and national arts standards.

Arts 25 allows teachers and schools to collaborate with local artists to plan significant and specialized arts experiences for students throughout the school year. High quality programming stimulates the students' imaginations and expands their understanding of the existence of many different art forms.

Arts 25 was highly successful in its inaugural year, 2003-2004. Twenty-two schools and alternative learning sites and nineteen arts and cultural organizations were given technical help with planning and were awarded $5000 to implement the projects. Below are summaries of the 2003-2004 Arts 25 projects.

Arts 25 Project Report 2003-2004

Name of School or Site:		Adams Spanish Immersion
School Coordinator(s):		Felice Amato Bauer
Student Grade/Age:		Grades 1, 4, 5, & 6
Total Students Involved:		Entire student population
Total Families/Community Involved:		25-30 families
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Textile Center of Minnesota
Lead Artist(s):		Peggy Baldwin
Additional Funds & Source(s):		None

Synopsis of Program:
	Three artists presented the Arts 25 project from three arts organizations offering students and school community a wide range of arts experiences and media. The Textile Center was the main partner. With the artist and schools art teacher, students were given the opportunity to discover many weaving techniques based on various world cultures. Students used inexpensive household materials for their projects. The enthusiasm and creativity that each student brought to the work was remarkable.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	Celebratory event involved two other arts organizations. Young Audiences taught Latin American dance and an artist at Northern Clay Center taught teachers Mexican Blackware clay firing procedures. Families at Family Night experienced Kool-Aid dyeing and felting sessions. Teachers participated in ceramics workshop at Northern Clay Center.


Name of School or Site:		AGAPE
School Coordinator(s):		Lois Vosika-Weir
Student Grade/Age:		Females ages 9-12.
Total Students Involved:		70
Total Families/Community Involved:		Strong representation from families and guests
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Arts Us
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Rose McGee
Additional Funds & Source(s):		None

Synopsis of Program:
	Theme was Cultural Exploration/Heritage and Telling our Story. Artists representing storytelling and African drumming and dance lead workshops and presentations. Central High School students from Central Touring Theatre also worked with students between artists visits and performance.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	Students were interviewed at the Celebratory Event about how they felt about having artists work with them and what their experiences were. One student said she enjoyed learning the drums because it required patience and this was a quality she needed as she raised her baby. Students read their poetry and performed African drumming and dance.


Name of School or Site:		Arlington High School
School Coordinator(s):		Laura Pereira
Student Grade/Age:		Juniors and seniors in Visual Arts focus area.
Total Students Involved:		40
Total Families/Community Involved:		50 family and community members
Arts Organization Partner(s):		COMPAS
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Betsy Mowry
Additional Funds & Source(s):		None

Synopsis of Program:
	Focus was on careers in art and exploring what students could use their arts skills for after high school. Students shared their portfolios with College of Visual Arts (CVA) staff, participated in a CVA digital media workshop, and heard from and interviewed professionals about their jobs in the arts.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	Students produced an art exhibit conducting work in all aspects that were involved in the exhibit logo and tee-shirt design, curating, marketing, installation, and opening event.


Name of School or Site:		Battle Creek Elementary
School Coordinator(s):		Jane Batcheller
Student Grade/Age:		12 classrooms, Kindergarten-grade 5
Total Students Involved:		320
Total Families/Community Involved:		200 families
Arts Organization Partner(s):		ArtStart
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Carol Sirrine, Director
Additional Funds & Source(s):		$750 School funds

Synopsis of Program:
	ArtStart presented the River Eco Journey curriculum to students. Its focus was on the connection between human beings and their environment and meshed with the environmental focus of the school. Activities included science lessons on the watershed and water, drawing and painting, mural painting and plays, a shadow puppet show, and Haiku poetry set to music.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	Earth Week celebration was final event. A video of the play about protecting the environment showed continually. ArtStart modeled teaching from the curriculum for staff which gave them the necessary instruction to continue lessons in their classrooms.


Name of School or Site:		Battle Creek Middle School
School Coordinator(s):		Shelby McDowell
Student Grade/Age:		Ages 12-14
Total Students Involved:		500
Total Families/Community Involved:		300 families
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Heart of the Beast Puppet Theatre
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Paul Robinson
Additional Funds & Source(s):		None

Synopsis of Program:
	One hundred sixty students made paper maiche masks with the schools art teacher first semester. After school, HOBT conducted a puppet theatre workshop for 20 students who made hand puppets and color shadow puppets with an artist. Students also attended the production of Wild Swans at HOBT and compiled and edited a video production for documentation.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	75 students made giant air puppets and signage and others helped young visitors make puppets and put on a puppet show at the family end of year celebration. Puppet shows were aired on the schools TV show and Chicks on Sticks performed at the event.


Name of School or Site:		Creative Arts High School
School Coordinator(s):		Cadex Herrera
Student Grade/Age:		High school and older students
Total Students Involved:		70
Total Families/Community Involved:		Strong representation from families and guests
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Saint Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN)
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Nicola Pine
Additional Funds & Source(s):		$1000 SPNN in-kind

Synopsis of Program:
	The primary objective was to teach students to use media software and equipment as a tool for communication and vehicle for expression and creativity. Students worked to create documentary video projects over eight weeks about a person that was significantly different from them in one way in terms of ethnicity, gender, lifestyle, etc. Students researched topics, interviewed, shot, and edited. Students met with documentary artists and received feedback on their projects.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	Two events, March 24 and June 2. Students showed their videos and discussed their work. SPNN also is broadcasting their work on the Cable Access Education Channel 16. Arts 25 School Coordinator worked with artist developing new skills with video equipment.


Name of School or Site:		Community Kindergarten
School Coordinator(s):		Lani Shapiro
Student Grade/Age:		3 classes of pre-kindergarten, ages 4 & 5
Total Students Involved:		51
Total Families/Community Involved:		More than 185 family members, community & staff
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Minnesota Childrens Museum
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Kelly Finnerty
Additional Funds & Source(s):		$6000 MN Childrens Museum in-kind and Perpich Center

Synopsis of Program:
	This project was part of a larger community project in conjunction with the MN Childrens Museum called Creativity and the Young Child. The work parallels the Italian Reggio Emilia Schools' philosophy based on a child-centered discovery approach. The overall project involved early childhood students at two sites, Como and Metro 94. At both sites, students observed their neighborhood and then interpreted their experiences through multiple means of expression and representation drawings, sketches, graphs, constructions, photos, dialog, and writing.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	The Museum exhibited the childrens projects and hosted a reception for the young artists and their families. The exhibit is seen by over 6000 visitors a week over a twelve-week period and will also be on display at 360 Colborne. Professional Development involved an all-day workshop with artists, the Hundred Languages of Children: Provocations and Reflections for the Future full-day conference, and another three day Hundred Languages summer conference.


Name of School or Site:		Crosswinds Middle School
School Coordinator(s):		Peggy Palumbo
Student Grade/Age:		Grades 6, 7, & 8
Total Students Involved:		150
Total Families/Community Involved:		50 family members and guests
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Climb Theatre
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Zac Lagen
Additional Funds & Source(s):		$2500 Matching funds from school

Synopsis of Program:
	Two-part residency: a mural project and a performance piece. The focus of both was to examine CARES (cooperation, assertiveness, responsibility, empathy, self-control) character education philosophy and relate it to a theme of peace.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	A performance was part of a Peace Day where the school officially became a Peace Site. Two performances and the mural dedication were held. An artist ended the program with storytelling, and the student council recited a choral reading written by student council officers with assistance from Climb artists.


Name of School or Site:		Expo for Excellence
School Coordinator(s):		Gina Engleking
Student Grade/Age:		Grades 3-6
Total Students Involved:		630
Total Families/Community Involved:		Strong representation from families and guests
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Theatre MU
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Susie Kuniyoshi
Additional Funds & Source(s):		None

Synopsis of Program:
	Taikio drum performers from Theatre Mu performed for grades 3-6. An artist visited with over ten classes for 30 minutes each and shared his art. All students in grades 3-6 were invited to participate in a project called Theatres of Learning (Enrichment cluster) where they learned and practiced Taikio drumming and rehearsed a play.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	Two 30-minute performances were held for the Expo Community. Students also performed for one hundred Groveland Elementary students. A cast party was held where students could watch a tape of their performance and celebrate their accomplishments.


Name of School or Site:		Highland Park Senior High
School Coordinator(s):		Kari Rise and Patricia Canelake
Student Grade/Age:		Grades 9,10,11,12
Total Students Involved:		200
Total Families/Community Involved:		20 family members & numerous community members
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Farm in the City
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Anna Wasescha
Additional Funds & Source(s):		$2650 School, Farm in the City, & donations

Synopsis of Program:
	This project had multiple interdisciplinary aspects all relating to the schools new . 10,000 square foot garden, which they turned into an outdoor classroom and the centerpiece of studies in architecture, drafting, photography, painting, ceramics, and Japanese history, and culture. Students of Japanese art, history and culture were taught traditional Japanese ink techniques, printmaking based on family crests, and explored garden design and botanical drawing based on Bonsai flower arranging. Students in World History studied Japanese history and culture and learned to make origami (peace) cranes and lanterns, which were used to decorate the garden. Painting students created a mural and constructed and installed large garden identifier designs and created and installed thirty birdhouses.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	A garden celebration and dedication was the culminating event. The Highland Villager ran a full-page story on the garden. Four teachers worked with visiting artists to redesign, install, and program the garden as well as to integrate the Japanese garden theme into their curriculum.


Name of School or Site:		Homecroft Elementary
School Coordinator(s):		Claudia Nelson & Susan Murphy
Student Grade/Age:		Grades K-6
Total Students Involved:		266
Total Families/Community Involved:		150 family members and 600 project participants
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Perpich Center for Arts in Education
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Dave Beaman
Additional Funds & Source(s):		$2740 School, Perpich Center, artist and parent in-kind donations

Synopsis of Program:
	Homecroft staff identified a need for professional development in visual arts. The artists and arts organization Planning Team focused on changing teacher practice rather than on a residency model. Teachers collaboratively worked with artists. Perpich conducted an all day in-service for all staff. This included arts integration lesson modeling and de-mystifying the current arts standards. Artists helped teachers identify a classroom unit to investigate, and then the artists developed a visual arts project that could be integrated with the teachers unit. Artists participated in two activity days, which were opportunities for students and teachers to work with artists in the classroom. A matrix was developed that identified standards-related benchmarks that were to be included in state-mandated arts programs.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	More than 350 students, teachers, parents, and other interested participants attended. The cafeteria was filled with Arts for All displays. Professional development opportunities for teachers were numerous and curriculum mapping and arts integration lesson plan development was emphasized.


Name of School or Site:		Horace Mann
School Coordinator(s):		Karen Lewis
Student Grade/Age:		Grades K-6
Total Students Involved:		312
Total Families/Community Involved:		100
Arts Organization Partner(s):		COMPAS
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Daniel Gabriel
Additional Funds & Source(s):		$1825 School, COMPAS (via grant)

Synopsis of Program:
	The residency emphasized global arts and addressed the schools SCIP goal of developing awareness of and sensitivity to differences. This was accomplished through multi-cultural performances and instruction and the hosting of a school-wide, multi-cultural celebration. Every student at the school worked with the visiting artist and created a work of art based on art from cultures around the world.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	A school-wide Global Arts celebration took place where student art was displayed, a video of photos and video clips of students working with the artist was shown, and performing artists Leo and Kathy Lara presented music from Central America. Teachers met with the visiting artist to plan and schedule their specific project. They also were actively involved with the artist in the classroom. All teachers attended an in-service/workshop about arts education, drawing techniques, and arts integration.


Name of School or Site:		John A. Johnson Elementary
School Coordinator(s):		Rae Beth Cornelius
Student Grade/Age:		Grades 4 & 5
Total Students Involved:		71
Total Families/Community Involved:		125 family members and guests
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Illusion Theater
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Karen Gundlach & Michael Robbins
Additional Funds & Source(s):		School, Illusion Theater and organization grants

Synopsis of Program:
	The school wanted to incorporate drama into their curriculum and saw this as a way to prepare 4th grade students for a more extensive experience in 5th grade. Students researched key people and immigrant groups as a basis for two plays the students rehearsed for and acted in. Students also created masks and a backdrop in their art classes and designed the plays program. Teachers helped with rehearsals, productions and assisted students in learning their lines; signing; video and sound equipment; and prop making.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	Students performed two original plays, consisting of several acts, interspersed with dancing and music at the Illusion Theater and the school. Staff was involved in choosing the subject matter of the play and providing resources to the Illusion scriptwriters.


Name of School or Site:		Mississippi Creative Arts Magnet School
School Coordinator(s):		Theresa Jackson
Student Grade/Age:		Grades K-6
Total Students Involved:		Entire student population
Total Families/Community Involved:		500 families
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Minnesota Center for Book Arts
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Lin Lacy
Additional Funds & Source(s):		None

Synopsis of Program:
	The 500 Families Beaded Together project included handmade, hand sewn family books made by all students. The booklets were collected, beaded along the spine, and hung on a large paper mural that was unveiled at the Mississippi Peace Site Festival in the spring. Students also went on a field trip to the MCBA, where they made paper and learned book-making techniques.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	The project was unveiled at the schools 2nd Annual Peace Site Re-dedication ceremony. The project was also showcased at the Flint Hills International Childrens Festival and exhibited at the Rice Street Library and the Childrens Museum.


Name of School or Site:		Prosperity Heights
School Coordinator(s):		Jennifer Amaya
Student Grade/Age:		Grades K-6
Total Students Involved:		237
Total Families/Community Involved:		226 family members
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Heart of the Beast
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Paul Robinson
Additional Funds & Source(s):		None

Synopsis of Program:
	There is no visual arts specialist at the school so the focus for this Arts 25 project was visual arts. Each student created a mask and then experienced performing a chant, skit, play, dance, or song in front of an audience. As part of this performing experience, students were involved in making props, costumes, and backdrops.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	The end of year celebration required two stages with performances occurring at the same time. Each grade performed a dance, song, or play. The performances happened in the evening as well as during the school day. Fifty-five staff members were involved. HOBT artists taught teachers how to make three different types of masks. Teachers then taught their students. Staff also learned how to teach drama at a workshop and residency.


Name of School or Site:		Sheridan Elementary
School Coordinator(s):		Mary Holland
Student Grade/Age:		Grades K-6
Total Students Involved:		320
Total Families/Community Involved:		250 family members and guests
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Northern Clay Center
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Sarah Millfelt
Additional Funds & Source(s):		$1490 School PTA and NCC

Synopsis of Program:
	Three-hundred-twenty students met with an artist during a three-week residency. Each student created a clay object which was based on his or her grade level area of study. NCC awarded the school two scholarships for select students to pursue ceramics at their summer clay camp.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	Clay objects were displayed at the year-end celebration and NCC provided an ongoing potters wheel demo. Staff spent three hours on a Saturday at NCC and were trained in the use of clay tools and hand-building techniques.


Name of School or Site:		Transitions for Success
School Coordinator(s):		Julie Eddy-Boudet
Student Grade/Age:		Ages 13-18
Total Students Involved:		60
Total Families/Community Involved:		Students were encouraged to talk with their families about the show and final project.
Arts Organization Partner(s):		East Side Arts Council
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Sarah Fehr & Monica Saralampi
Additional Funds & Source(s):		None

Synopsis of Program:
	The objectives of the project were to increase student engagement in school and learning process by incorporating the arts; provide opportunities to discover a new activity and develop a new interest; encourage students to explore new ways of expressing their emotions and feelings by incorporating tasks that require metacognition, and give students the opportunity to learn about future career possibilities. Students explored personal expression through experiences with three artists that focused on writing, digital photography, and ceramics; and attended a performance of American Indian Dance Theatre at the Ordway.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	Every staff member supported Arts 25 by participating in planning, assisting during the experience, and/or providing encouragement. The educational team learned from the artists in the classrooms, as did the students. The staff felt that the program design allowed flexibility to mold experiences based on particulars of TFS program. Note: it is very probable that including arts into the program has positively impacted students academic experience in Saint Paul Schools. Average daily attendance last year was around 65%. This year, average daily attendance increased to almost 80%.


Name of School or Site:		Transition to Independence
School Coordinator(s):		Michael T. Lutsey
Student Grade/Age:		Ages 12-18
Total Students Involved:		55
Total Families/Community Involved:		None
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Galumph Interactive Theatre
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Teressa Gregg
Additional Funds & Source(s):		None

Synopsis of Program:
	Small groups of students created and wrote stories and developed characters for those stories. Puppets were created based on these characters. Cardboard, glow paper, glow paint, and glued on objects were used. Students made storyboards with beginning, middle, and end; they then emphasized conflict and solutions to problems. Students improvised dialogue for the stories and practiced in groups.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	All staff were involved by helping students participate, managing behavior, encouraging development and completion of project goals. The staff appreciated having access to an arts organization and artists with skills. TTI plans on applying for other arts grants.


Name of School or Site:		Tri-District Community Cultures
School Coordinator(s):		Denise Whalen
Student Grade/Age:		Grades K-6
Total Students Involved:		400
Total Families/Community Involved:		Strong representation from families and guests
Arts Organization Partner(s):		COMPAS
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Daniel Gabriel
Additional Funds & Source(s):		None

Synopsis of Program:
	All students worked with an artist specializing in experimental and landfill art for a three-week period. Intermediate students transformed recycled objects into cars. Students also created a robot using recycled objects and built a circuit to make a moving part on their robots.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	An Open House Robot Museum for parents was held to exhibit students projects. At separate arts events, Chinese Lion Dance group performed as well as Jerry Blue, an African American storyteller. The landfill artist visited before her residency. She shared her work through a video and oral presentation. She taught staff about creative expression and led staff through a simulation experience. All staff members, teachers, and educational assistants were involved, sixty in total.


Name of School or Site:		Paul and Shelia Wellstone Elementary
School Coordinator(s):		Christine Foster
Student Grade/Age:		Grades K-6
Total Students Involved:		460
Total Families/Community Involved:		300 families and guests
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Mixed Blood Theatre
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Raul Ramos
Additional Funds & Source(s):		None

Synopsis of Program:
	Fourth and 6th grade classes met with the artist for five weeks. Sixth grade learned script-writing skills and 4th learned acting skills. All 1st and 2nd and some 3rd grade students learned acting skills. Students wrote three skits and helped other students choreograph and practice lines. Every student was given the opportunity to exhibit art at the Wellstone Arts Show. Students also attended a performance at the Ordway.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	Two events took place student performed their play, the choir sang, and art was exhibited. Staff attended the Arts for All Conference and participated by actively supporting their students in their artistic endeavors.


Special Arts 25 Adjunct Program Funded by the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts and Wellstone

Name of School or Site:		Paul and Sheila Wellstone Elementary
School Coordinator(s):		Rebecca Pederson
Student Grade/Age:		Grades Pre K-6
Total Students Involved:		460
Total Families/Community Involved:		160
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Shelley Quiala
Additional Funds & Source(s):		$7550 School and Ordway

Synopsis of Program:
	This partnerships goal is to infuse the school for a three-year trial of arts immersion that is designed to touch the entire school community students, teachers, administrators, parents. Ordway Center Education staff worked closely with school administration to create a variety of opportunities that were specific to each grade level and inclusive of the school community, while all connecting to the diverse programming on Ordway Centers stages. Students in grades 2-5 were introduced to the art form and culture of flamenco and African dance and drum through interactive workshops with local artists prior to attending Mara Bentez and Children of Uganda at Ordway Center for school matinees. Sixth grade students were visited by Mayor Randy Kelly for a discussion about hosting international visitors in their city. They then welcomed the Children of Uganda onstage at the public performance with principal Raymond Yu. Students and their families stayed to watch the performance as Ordway Centers guests. Pre-K through 2nd grade created murals, inspired by the art and writing of Eric Carle, after their teachers attended a workshop on Eric Carle mural techniques. Their experience was completed with attendance to The Very Eric Carle at Ordway Center and display of their artwork in the inaugural Art Walk, both a part of the Flint Hills International Childrens Festival.

Event/Professional Development:
	There was a two-hour professional development workshop offered to teachers involved in the mural project, but the largest event of the year was the reception Wellstone Elementary hosted for the Children of Uganda company. Twenty six Ugandan dancers and drummers, ages six to eighteen, joined 120 staff, students, and families from Wellstone school community for dinner. Later, the Ugandan children led the group in a drum and dance workshop and joined them to create a mural together. The night ended with an a cappella song offered by the Children of Uganda.


Name of School or Site:		Wheelock Early Childhood Special Education
School Coordinator(s):		Gina Paton & Gerry Chapman
Student Grade/Age:		Ages 2-6
Total Students Involved:		110
Total Families/Community Involved:		30 family members and guests
Arts Organization Partner(s):		VSA Arts Minnesota
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Kristy Gaudette & Craig Dunn
Additional Funds & Source(s):		$1847 VSA

Synopsis of Program:
	Classrooms selected three childrens books to explore. Students read the books, made puppets, learned cooperative games and about character speaking voices. Children practiced their books and then acted out individual character parts in three performances. After each performance, the children were given a copy of their book and made a book of pictures of the performance process.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	Students performed their stories for parents, administrators, and the VSA and Galumph directors. Staff was involved by working directly with the artists and assisting the children in making their puppets, practicing their parts, and helping them perform.


Name of School or Site:		World Cultures
School Coordinator(s):		Mary Dorow
Student Grade/Age:		K-6
Total Students Involved:		350
Total Families/Community Involved:		300 family members and guests
Arts Organization Partner(s):		Childrens Theatre
Lead Contact/Artist(s):		Gregory Smith
Additional Funds & Source(s):		$300 School

Synopsis of Program:
	Students in grades K, 1, 3-6 all received one-hour exposure with a teaching artist who focused on creative drama through literature. Fifth graders received a three-day creative dramatics workshop integrating their curriculum theme of differences in cultures. Second graders formed the core group with a 48-hour residency acting and music that resulted in two plays being created and performed.

Celebratory Event/Professional Development:
	Students presented their work twice. The performances were videotaped and photos are featured on the school's web site. Students received a souvenir poster created especially for the event. The artist conducted a two-tiered teacher in-service with K-6 teachers that focused on the integration of the arts into the classroom and utilized theatre as an approach to expose students to literature. The first tier centered on concepts and strategies for incorporating theatre techniques such as story dramatization in the classroom. The second tier was in classroom practicum whereby the artist visited each teachers classroom to demonstrate and coach the teachers through the techniques they learned in the previous workshop.