Studio in a School Art Program
page 1
For the last four years, PS 75 has partnered with Studio in a School to bring professional teaching artists into our classrooms. This has allowed us to give all our children art class every week. The high caliber of this program is reflected in the art work shown in our hallways and on this page, in our students ability to communicate through and about Art, and in the sheer enjoyment that our children have in the art room. The gallery on this page displays examples of art work created in the Spring of 2012. While the first three years of this program were provided by a grant, the annual cost of our Studio in a School program is now over $60,000 (less than $100 per child), which is almost completely supported by PTA fundraising efforts. Since our PTA's financial resources are severely strained, your support for this wonderful program is absolutely critical or we will lose it. Please consider making a donation through the I Love 75 PayPal link below or directly by contacting one of our co-Presidents. Ps 75 PTA is a tax-exempt 501(c)(30 non-profit and all contributions are fully tax deductible.page 2
At PS75, every student has weekly art instruction for at least 30 weeks focusing on collage, printmaking, sculpture, painting, drawing, and 2-D Design. Students develop skills in art making, for example, learning how to draw a figure with gesture, volume, and proportion. They also develop art literacy, the ability to analyze works of art and to discuss art making. Students learn about the historical, social, and cultural context of various works of art, and become familiar with at least 4-5 artists per grade, learn about art related careers such as illustrators, and visit art museums in New York City.
The collaborative art program at PS 75 has become a central part of PS 75’s identity and purpose. PS 75 principal Robert O’Brien believes strongly in the value of the Arts. The art program has provided much more than instruction in a creative process, it has served as a strong unifying force within the school community. According to Principal O’Brien, “A testament to the incredible power of the art program is the reverence that the students demonstrate for each other’s art”. O’Brien continues, “I cannot recall ever being in a school where fragile, multi-dimensional works of art can be displayed for extended periods of time and remain untouched. Even more striking is that it has not been necessary to discuss how to have respect for the art. It just happens organically.” As PS 75 students receive visual art instruction work from kindergarten to fifth grade they receive carefully planned instruction that scaffolds their learning allowing them to emerge as creative individuals. Middle school principals have given them feedback about how impressed they are by the mature work of our fifth grade graduates. Mr. O’Brien states, “The art program here is transformative. Not only is the environment transformed, but so are the students and teachers”.
There are many ways to donate to the PS 75 PTA:
- Make a direct donation through PayPal
-
or Network for Good.
When you click-thru this link to shop on Amazon, PS75 will collect a referral credit on all purchases.
