Bird Masks with Self Portraits: Art Teacher Joy Bender Hadley

The Ishpeming School District in conjunction with Liberty Children’s Art Project (LCAP) created an After School Art Enrichment program at Birchview Elementary spring  2020.  Meghan Kelly, certified art teacher/artist  taught classes after school, one day a week in a six week session which was cut short due to COVID 19 and the closing of schools. These classes are held immediately after school is dismissed in the school’s art room.  In each  of these  sessions,  art production is interwoven with the  study of art history, cultures and aesthetics from around the world and are interdisciplinary with other academic subjects.  This work was created in a variety of contemporary media.  Examples of this years lessons included:

Paper Mache Ice Cream Cones

Abstract Painting

Native American Sand Painting

Mexican Mirrors Tin Art

Art enrichment classes have a profound effect on children in remote areas such as this. Artists modeling self-confidence, motivation and curiosity have the potential to be highly inspirational role models. Recent survey results from LCAP classes held the last four years in this area support the positive effects of art.  An after school art enrichment program provides students with a way to build confidence, participate in a social situation while developing an outlet for creative self expression in a safe and healthy environment.

This program was made possible by the Hirvonen Foundation and the   MCACA/NEA