Jamie Winter Dawson

We would like you to meet our Roster Teaching Artist Jamie Winter Dawson, professional artist, art instructor, and passionate arts advocate in the Twin Cities. For over fourteen years, she has coordinated, taught, and led arts programs and classes for children and adults with special needs in a variety of venues including educational settings, advocacy programs, and nonprofit organizations. She specializes in connecting resources with communities and artists to bring a rich, engaging, and sustainable arts experience to everyone involved.

Jamie will be working with school staff, Ms. Super, Ms. Leslie, Ms. Anderson, at Oneka Elementary, to cultivate a collaborative culture and support the learning of each student. This will be her second year participating in VSA Minnesota and Perpich Center for Arts Educaion’s Arts Bridge project. This residency will be designed to develop and foster social and behavioral skills in students and provide a deeper engagement with the curriculum through exposure to the visual arts. Follow along with our blog to see these students get a chance to express themselves through different media!

Introducing our newest Roster Teaching Artist, Lyndie Walker, MT-BC, Director of Clinical Services and board certified music therapist at Toneworks Music Therapy Services. You may have heard her at community orchestras or chamber ensembles when she is not hard at work providing music therapy sessions for individuals, families or groups. Lyndie has been an artist-in-residence in the schools through Arts for Academic Achievement and grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board Arts and Cultural Heritage fund.

This year, she will be working with Ms. Batts and Ms. Pierce’s Early Childhood Special Education classrooms at Rockford Elementary Arts Magnet School to enhance creative expression and personal development through music as apart of VSA Minnesota and Perpich Center for Arts Educaion’s Arts Bridge project. Stay tuned to HEAR about their experience!

Teaching & Learning Arts Bridge 2014 Begins

Transition Plus students in Anoka work together to create a collaborative clay tile and mosaic mural during an Arts Bridge residency 2013.

Teaching & Learning Arts Bridge 2014 Begins

This is a project to build skills through the Arts in students with disabilities and collaborative skills in Teaching Artists and Teachers in Special Education settings.This program is provided under a contract with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

VSA Minnesota has partnered again with the Perpich Center for Arts Education to implement Teaching & Learning Arts Bridge - a project is designed to build skills through the Arts in students with disabilities and collaborative skills in Teaching Artists and Teachers in Special Education settings.

Arts Bridge aims to develop and implement innovative curriculum that will enhance and support academic learning and achievement through Arts for students with disabilities. This initiative is designed to support collaboration between Host Teachers and Teaching Artists and support Teachers’ efforts to integrate the Arts in the curriculum while engaging students in meaningful, high quality arts learning experiences.

Participating teachers will receive embedded professional development on partnering and planning with a Teaching Artist, an Assistant and a Coach during a 10-session residency in their classroom that integrates dance, music, theater, storytelling, visual, media or literary arts with a goal of deepening student engagement, knowledge and achievement.

In January, Teams will establish clear instructional goals, develop engaging activities, make plans to support and enhance sequential learning, align instruction with standards and benchmarks, and determine assessment outcomes. The residencies will take place during February-May.

For more information about how you can participate, please contact: Jenea Rewertz-Targui, Arts in Education Coordinator, jenea@vsamn.org or 612-332-3888.

 “VSA Minnesota’s Teaching & Learning Arts Bridge,” final in-service, Perpich Center for Arts Education, Golden Valley

In person or by video chat via ‘Skype’ or ‘Face Time', Teaching Artists and Host Teacher Teams shared about their experience in VSA Minnesota’s Arts Bridge Project during a final in-service in partnership with the Perpich Center for Arts Education last week. Thanks to tools from the Artful Handbook, teams had an insightful conversation about their teaching and learning experience during their arts-integrated residency.



A total of 7 teachers , 7 teaching artists, and 6 teaching artist assistants received one and half days of professional development led by Perpich Center for Arts Education staff. Teams designed an arts-integrated residency, tied to curriculum and address selected elements of the Minnesota Academic Standards with assistance from PCAE staff. Using instructional planning tools for collaborative planning, Teams established clear instructional goals, developed engaging activities, made plans to support and enhance sequential learning, aligned instruction with standards and benchmarks, and determined assessment outcomes.

VSA Minnesota’s Teaching & Learning Arts Bridge is a project to build skills through the Arts in students with disabilities and collaborative skills in Teaching Artists and Teachers in Special Education settings. This program is provided under a contract with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Artist-in-Residence Site:  Transition Plus

403 Jackson St. Suite 206, Anoka (Con. Dist. 6)

Collaborating Teacher: Terri Breems

Teaching Artists: Anne Krocak; April Conlee, Assistant

Art Form: Visual Arts

Project Overview

Two groups of students worked collaboratively to design and create a handmade clay tile, found object, mosaic wall-hanging that reflects individuals’ creativity and their views about community. With the help of artist in residence Anne Krocak, students dreamed up the imagery to use to express those elements, then meticulously fixed translucent beads, metal pieces, glass tiles and clay figures on mesh canvases. Scenes describing favorite parts of school include images depicting self-awareness, physical fitness, cooking, budgeting, mental health awareness and more. The two one-of-a-kind mosaics will soon be on display in two Anoka-Hennepin School District buildings. Students had a final unvieling of one of them for the school and community during student appreciation day.

Read more in the article published at: http://abcnewspapers.com/2013/05/16/transition-plus-students-create-mosaics-express-love-of-school

Project Highlights

“The students really responded well to the project activities and the process. The class was organized in a way that supported learning and the students then were always excited to see the next step in the project. Finished projects turned out beautifully, students had a better understanding of public art and their ability to work as an artist contributing to their community.” – Anne Krocak, Artist.

“These students have not only learned how to create a mosaic and all the artistry that goes in to it, they’ve also learned different job skills, how to do something for the community, how to work together, have their voice heard. This has helped them cope with stress and anxiety, they’ve explored leisure time activities and they’ve been exposed to different opportunities within art and art therapies. These students are engaged and they’re excited about it and they’ve learned so much.” – Terri Breems, Teacher.

Artist-in-Residence Site:  North Park Elementary

5575 Fillmore St NE, Fridley (Con. Dist. 5)

Collaborating Teacher: Scott Larson

Teaching Artist: Gustavo Boada

Art form: Mask-making, Puppetry

Project Overview

Students will develop an understanding of puppetry and mask-making by designing and creating their own masks inspired by animals of Africa. They will learn about visual art elements of design (shape, form, line, texture, and color) through the process of papier-mâché. For more pictures: http://animoto.com/play/1Ty8OmmVUTZqyigWpo0b2w

Project Highlights

“End product was amazing. Students were very enthusiastic about projected and were excited to show project others. Students were very helpful to each other.” – Scott Larson, Teacher.

“The most successful part of this residency has been the participation and communication among students due to the fact that the process (tearing the paper into pieces and put glue paste on paper) creates a psychomotor routine that allows the distension and the class becomes a atmosphere of confidence. In the first class, had two groups with different ages, levels of interest and demand, although the interaction between the two groups is indirect, however resulted in a decrease in the average attention time.” – Gustavo Boada, Artist.

Artist-in-Residence Site: WELS-South and CAP Program, Dist. 191

70 West County Road B2, Little Canada (Con. Dist. 4)

Collaborating Teacher: Erin Phelps-Stark

Teaching Artists: Linda Moraal

Art Form: Clay Tile Mosaics

Project Overview

Students participated in clay activities designed to increase engagement, strengthen social skills and learn more about each other through group interaction. They worked collaboratively with peers from WELS South and CAP program, staff and the Clay Lady to create an original tile mosaic. The focus of the final piece symbolized safety and respect. Friends and family celebrated the final work completed during a reception. Complete work will be installed in the entrance of the building.

Project Highlights

“Everyone was very respectful of their coworkers and also of time constraints today. Everyone came ready to work hard. Everyone listened, and asked appropriate questions.” -- Linda Moraal, Artist.

“Students from two programs who typically don't work together had to work side by side. It was challenging. The programs also have different manangers with different styles of staff/student interaction. We thought the WELS South students would struggle more socially but actually, the more chanlleged DCD/ASD were more interactive and on task than the CAP students whose labels included mild DCD/moderate to severe ASD/MI.

Know that I am so appreciative of the opportunities WELS South has had. Further, I have learned SO MUCH from each artist VSA Minnesota has provided. Thank you for helping promote these unforgettable experiences.” – Erin Phelps-Stark, Teacher.

Artist-in-Residence Site: Edgewood Education Center

 6601 Xylon Ave N, Brooklyn Park (Con. Dist. 3)

Collaborating Teacher: Brian Burns

Teaching Artist: Jamie Winter Dawson; Jamie Vu, Assistant

Art Form: Visual Arts

Project Overview

Students learned about what it looks like to be an artist within the Twin Cities. They visited two vocational artists working in their studios. Back in the classroom, students created multiple artworks using artist’s media. They learned the elements of displaying their artwork in an exhibit that is open to the community including three main components of an artist statement and a brief documentary of the residency. Each student completed a final portfolio containing artist statement and 3-5 original works of art. Students planned and organized an exhibition to display their artwork and documentary inviting the arts community, staff, peers and families to opening reception. View photos and video: 

Project Highlights

“By doing an artist statement [students] got a good idea of what type of art they like to create.  It was a really good self-reflective lesson” – Brian Burns, Teacher.

“Reflecting upon my time with the staff and students at Edgewood Education Center, I am so inspired by the creativity and individual strengths that each student brought to the ‘Telling Our Stories’ project and by the dedication and care that staff and teachers provided. I feel the project was a huge success and am so grateful to VSA Minnesota for providing the support and resources make the project possible.” – Jamie Winter Dawson, Artist.

Artist-in-Residence Site:  Minnesota Valley Education District

801 Davis Street, St. Peter (Con. Dist. 1)

Collaborating Teacher: Kelsey Hutchins, Work Site Coordinator

Teaching Artists: Juana Arias, Arts Center of Saint Peter; Cyle Gruver, Assistant

Art Form: Visual Art                                                

Project Overview

Students learned about being a commissioned artist, public art, the process and techniques to create and install a tile mural in a public space. They worked with the artist to communicate their ideas, develop technical skills relating to working with clay, the ceramic glazing and firing processes, and installation of ceramic tiles using mortar and grout. Students had an unveilling reception for the school and community upon installed of the final piece created.

Project Highlights

“All students became well acclimated to using the tools to create the tiles. Many of the students increased their attention span and focus to complete their tiles. I observed a change in the students who regularly participated (attending a majority of the classes). They were able to focus themselves more quickly, and were more patient when learning a difficult task. I observed that the students were more respectful to one another and their staff when they were focused on their work.”  -- Juana Arias, Artist.

“Some students worked well and others needed guidance.  Everyone participated in planning (artistic expression), some will stay on past the residency to help install the clay tiles from our project. Some students did very well interacting with others and completing the project while others struggled with an outside of school setting and challenging project.” – Kelsey Hutchins, Teacher.

Artist-in-Residence Site:   Castle Elementary School

6675 50^th St N, Oakdale (Con. Dist. 4)

Collaborating Teacher: Susan Rensted

Teaching Artists: Lindsay McCaw; Xena Huff and Olie Johnson, Assistants

Art Form: Mural Painting

Project Overview

Students learned about the process and techniques to create a painted mural. These activities addressed building community, what it means to stand up to bully and how to stand up for each other, taking turns, following directions, and sequencing; and increased their artistic skills with design, transfer, color, and pattern. Students had a final unvieling of the installed mural for the school and community on the last day of the residency.

Project Highlights

“Many of the activities seemed to bring out some inner creativity and joy from students.  We were able to repeat some of the activities that brought forth some of these inner performers and creators and that was satisfying.  The cooperating teachers were excellent to work with.  The project was simple and undemanding enough that we could have some fun with it.  We were able to vary the activities to find ways to engage everyone, but it was a challenge.  The class sizes were large and sometimes unpredictable. .”  -- Lindsay McCaw, Artist.

“Students were able to discuss warm and cool colors, develop several tiles of art and share their process and end result as a group and present to the school.” – Susan Rensted, Teacher.

Arts Ambassador Presentation Site:  Buffalo

A total of 25 high school students and three teachers at Buffalo High School were able to participate in a presentation by VSA Minnesota’s Arts Ambassador Tara Arlene Innmon. Tara, a Minneapolis visual artist, shared about losing her vision and how the feelings of grief and anger lead to transformation and acceptance.

Artist-in-Residence Site:  Willmar High School

611 5th St SW, Willmar (Con. Dist. 7)

Collaborating Teacher: Chad Owens

Teaching Artists: Nikki Bettcher Erickson; Kelsey Moe, Assistant

Art Form: Film

Project Overview

Students learned how to create a documentary video that addressed these three questions: Where have I been? What can I do? Where am I going? Students had the opportunity to present their film for the school and community on the last day of the residency.

Project Highlights

“It seemed that students started out thinking that this would be a very easy process and learned that a lot goes into making a film. They took the acting portion seriously once they got used to it – and became more relaxed with time – they seemed to be more of a team by the time that the project was over and seemed to be able to express their wants and needs in a clear way – overall I enjoyed seeing how communication between the film crew improved. A few students that were more stand-offish at the beginning seemed to open up towards the end. It seemed to build confidence in some of the students involved.” – Nikki Bettcher Erickson, Artist

“Students gained a better understanding of issues that people in our community may have to tackle such as a language barrier, or the education needed for some jobs. Students needed to encourage each other and work together to create a single project. Several of the students had to look into their lives and share personal thoughts with people they don’t know.” – Chad Owens, Teacher

Artist-in-Residence Site:  Lester Park Elementary

7600 Boone Ave. N., Suite 72, Duluth (Con. Dist. 8)

Collaborating Teacher:  Leigh Ann Viche

Teaching Artist: Stacey Dimberio

Art form: Dance

Project Overview

Students learned different dance genres, interpretive, tap to hip-hop.  Key goals were movement and sensory awareness that include following directions, spatial awareness, kinesthetic awareness, and impulse control development. Students had the opportunity to perform for the school and community at Stacy’s dance studio on the last day of the residency.

Project Highlights

“Students ran in to class with excitement. They practiced at home. They gained knowledge of real technical dance. Very rewarding to teach this appreciate group. ”– Stacey Dimberio, Artist.

“The show was wonderful! We had a great audience of parents, grandparents, friends and school staff -a full house! The students showed off what they had learned and the audience was impressed!” – Leigh Ann, Teacher.

Artist-in-Residence Site:  Hoffman Learning Center / Arts Center of Saint Peter

2001 Sheppard Drive, PO Box 89, St. Peter (Con. Dist. 1)

Collaborating Teachers: Joann Smith, Lyn Vavreck and Deb Wenner

Teaching Artist: Grant Hanson, Art Center of Saint Peter

Art Form: Visual Arts

Project Overview

Students explored a range of visual art mediums from pencil/pen drawing, tempera abstract painting, to pinch method clay portraits and coil method clay vessels with watercolor paint with teaching artist Grant. They viewed the artwork of both historical and contemporary masters reflecting each lesson’s objectives. Final artwork was on display May 17-June 16 with an opening reception on May 17, 6-8p.m. at the Arts Center of Saint Peter where the students were able to share their artwork with the community.

 

Project Highlights

“Students began reserved and became more creative.  They gained confidence and encouraged each other. They took great pride in projects.”  -- Lyn Vavreck, Teacher.

“Artistically, some students were specifically challenged due to inexperience with the medium or techniques.  Throughout the course of each lesson, each and every student produced artwork that successfully completed the objectives. By the end of the residency, many students expressed their displeasure with the residency being over!”  -- Grant Hanson, Artists.

Artist-in-Residence Site:  Cleveland Elementary School

919 Northern Avenue/124 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls (Con. Dist. 7)

Collaborating Teacher: Barb Zempel

Teaching Artist: Carol Anne Hough; Julie Hough, Assistant

Art form: Theater

Project Overview

Students learned about being a playwrite, the producation of a play, theater (how to use voice, movement, costuming and props) and wetland animals when they rehearsed and performed “Wetland Adventures,” written by the Teaching Artist Carol Anne Hough. Students had the opportunity to perform for their entire school and community at the Center for the Arts in Fergus Falls on the last day of the residency.

Project Highlights

“All three of my completed plays for children have been performed in my hometown. I’ve wanted to get something produced elsewhere and this seemed like a perfect fit. I am not comfortable initiating new professional relationships. This reticence perhaps hinders me more than my physical disability and I am working on overcoming it. It was time to go beyond my comfort zone and I dreamed of collaborating with A Center for the Arts, Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, and a local elementary school. Thanks to VSA Minnesota, an existing connection, I was able to take my idea to the next level.”– Carol Anne Hough, Artist

“My character was Pip the mosquito. My favorite part of the play was being in front of my class at the Center for the Arts”– Edwardo, Student

“Students showed progress on IEP goals of reading, public speaking and most importantly, social skills with peers and adults. It is fair to say that every student involved in this project was changed. Confidence is too often a hallmark with disabled children (or lack thereof) and these students showed incredible confidence in themselves and their peers while performing. The other significant change was in the audience – respect for those with disabilities increased exponentially among both students and staff. ” – Barb Zempel, Teacher.

Artist-in-Residence Site:  Benton-Stearns Voyagers

324 3^rd Ave. S., Sauk Rapids (Con. Dist. 6)

Collaborating Teacher: Patty Zimmerman

Teaching Artist: Papa Diop

Art form: Drumming/Dancing

Project Overview

During the residency students were introduced to Senegal, Djembe drumming and West African dancing. Papa shared his cultural experience and an encouraging story about his recovery and how art is important in the development of everyone. Students worked collaboratively with peers, staff and the artist to discover how to play the Djembe, learn traditional songs and dances. By encouraging students to explore movement and sound in an intimate, hands-on manner, they had an opportunity to learn a unique genre of music and dance, which promotes cultural awareness. Students had the opportunity to perform for the school and community on the last day of the residency. View a news article and video: http://www.sctimes.com/videonetwork/2229132153001/Sauk-Rapids-school-uses-music-to-help-troubled-youth

Project Highlights

“Since we are a small special education site our students’ only chance to experience music lessons is through a program like VSA Minnesota. While this is not a long term experience, the mere chance to participate in a residency program is an incredible opportunity for our students! It was a joy to see how he interacted with students and the rapport that developed between them. He was patient, offered feedback in a positive and nurturing manner, and talked to the students about his life journey and pointed out that they, too, have ‘bumps in the road’ but to persevere. Papa most definitely enhanced the feelings of self-worth in our students. This residency was the topic of conversation between staff and students all week long and for several days into the next week.” – Patty Zimmerman, Teacher

Artist-in-Residence Site:  Ely Memorial High School

600 E Harvey St., Ely (Con. Dist. 8)

Collaborating Teacher:  Amanda Solum

Teaching Artist:  Nicole Selmer

Art form:  Visual Arts

Project Overview

Students from the high school worked alongside with students from the elementary during this residency. They learned the history, process and tools of silkscreen printing. They also explored ongoing evaluation and critique. Students were asked to explore the theme “Community”, defined to be as simple as a group of individuals with a shared interest or as large as a group of people with a common history or common economic or political interests.  Students identified what they thought of as their own community and created stencils to develop artwork based on that theme. Students had the opportunity to exhibit their work created for the school and community.

Project Highlights

“The biggest take away for these students was the ability to communicate without words.  Many of the students struggled with speech, and communicating orally or in writing was a challenge.  As we went through the residency, and the students became comfortable with the printmaking process, you could see them relaxing.  For example, one of the elementary students had a difficult time controlling himself in his regular classes.  Once he understood the steps he needed to complete to make a print, he sat down, and within one hour, had completed his first screen print.  The process that took him one hour, took the other students two or three hours.  I believe that many of the students participating in the residency that struggled in their daily classrooms responded and thrived in an environment where they could work creatively.”  – Nicole Selmer, Artist.

“Students learned the process, grew more confident with the medium and other students.  The older students became better mentors as the week went on. They were also more willing to make mistakes.”  – Amanda Solum, Teacher.

Arts Ambassador Presentation Site: Minneapolis

A total of 6 metro area youth with disabilities and 25 of their peers, in grade 4, and five teachers at Dowling Urban Environment School participated in a presentation and hands-on activity by VSA Minnesota’s Arts Ambassador Leslye Orr. She is a playwright, performer and teacher with an extensive background in theater. After students read Leslye’s children’s book “The People on the Corner,” which centers on five neighborhood friends who learn how good neighbors can include everyone. Students were encouraged to write/draw their own idea of an inclusive game. During her visit she led students in hands-on imagination games that promoted engagement, inclusivity and diversity. They also had a chance to play a student-created game with the goal of teamwork and including everyone in their group.

Artist-in-Residence Site:  Bridges Transition Program

13735 Round Lake Blvd. Suite 110, Andover (Con. Dist. 6)

Collaborating Teacher: Lisa Vogel

Teaching Artist: Christopher Lutter-Gardella

Art form: Puppet Theater

Project Overview

During the residency, students explored the elements that led to developing and performing an original play using puppets. They developed an understanding of Puppet Theater by designing and building their own puppet character. Students worked collaboratively with peers, staff and the artist through creative theater activities to develop their individual characters. In addition, they learned that puppeteers use puppets to tell stories by creating their own story and dialogue with their puppets.  Students fostered their collaborative and imaginative skills by participating in creative play with their puppets including: improvisation, storytelling, physical and vocal characterizations. Friends and family were invited to see the final performance on the last day of the residency.

Project Highlights

“Students built communication and cooperative skills by working in small groups to construct a small scene. Changes in participants include one of the students who is very quite became more animated while others struggled with nerves.” – Lisa Vogel, Teacher.

“They showed great enthusiasm, as the project progressed-- particularly once their puppets took-on life. Many students showed surprising progress through the course of the 10 days-- They seemed to open-up and show their hidden brilliance! One student didn't show on the day of the performance-- reportedly due to his anxiety around performing. Students were very encouraging and supportive of one another.” – Chris Lutter-Gardella, Artist.

Teaching & Learning Arts Bridge Begins

This is a project to build skills through the Arts 

in students with disabilities and collaborative skills in 

Teaching Artists and Teachers in Special Education settings.

This program is provided under a contract with the 

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

VSA Minnesota's Teaching & Learning Arts Bridge is designed to support collaboration between Host Teachers and Teaching Artists and support Teachers’ efforts to integrate the Arts in the curriculum while engaging students in meaningful, high quality arts learning experiences. Seven sites around the state, which include more than 180 students and 30 teachers, will work with a Teaching Artist and an Assistant during a 10-session artist residency. Host Teachers and Teaching Artists Teams have begun co-planning their residency this month during a professional development in-service led by Perpich Center for Arts Education staff. Stay tuned for the progress of each site below:

Site: Minnesota Valley Education District

801 Davis St., St. Peter, MN 56082

Host Teacher: Kelsey Hutchins, Work Experience Coordinator

Teaching Artist: Juana Arias, Arts Center of Saint Peter

Description: Students will learn about being a commissioned artist, public art, the process and techniques to create and install a tile mural in a public space. These activities will address team appropriate, social interactions, share ideas, resolve conflicts, problem solving, coping strategies and working with tools.

Site: Edgewood Education Center

6601 Xylon Ave N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55428

Host Teacher: Brian Burns, Focus Special Education Teacher

Teaching Artist: Jamie Winter Dawson, Visual Artist

Description: Students will learn about what it looks like to be an artist within the Twin Cities. They will visit professional artist studios and create art using the same materials demonstrated. These activities will address focusing on the process from the beginning to end—setting a goal, project management and how to navigate problems.

Site: Castle Elementary

6675 50th St N, Oakdale, MN 55128

Host Teacher: Susan Rensted, 3rd Grade Teacher

Teaching Artist: Lindsay McCaw, Theater and Visual Artist

Description: Students will learn about the process and techniques to create a painted mural. These activities will address building community, what it means to stand up to bully and how to stand up for each other, taking turns, following directions, and sequencing.

Site: Transition Plus

403 Jackson St, Suite 206, Anoka, MN  55303 

Host Teacher: Terri Breems, Special Education Teacher

Teaching Artist: Anne Krocak, Public Artist

Description: Students will learn how to create a clay tile and the mosaic process or create a concrete sculpture from start to finish.  These activities will address develop coping strategies, exploring and being aware of a leisure activity, and participating in an activity that gives back to the community.  

Site: Willmar High School

2701 30th St. NE, Willmar, MN 56201

Host Teacher: Chad Owens, EBD Teacher

Teaching Artist: Nikki Bettcher-Erickson, Actor, Director, Theater Artist

Description: Students will learn how to create a documentary video that will address these three questions: Where have I been? What can I do? Where am I going? These activities will address transition/work skills, goal setting and social skills.  

Site: Cleveland Elementary

919 Northern Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Host Teacher: Barb Zempel, Special Education Teacher

Teaching Artist: Carol Anne Hough, Playwright

Description: Students will learn about theater (how to use voice, movement and props) and wetland animals when they rehearse and perform the play “Wetland Adventures.”  These activities will address movement, vocabulary, social skills and trying new and challenging activities.

Site: Ely High School

600 E Harvey Street, Ely, MN 55731

Host Teacher: Amanda Solum, Special Education Teacher

Teaching Artist: Nicole Selmer, Papermaking, Printing, Bookmaking

Description: Students will learn the process of silkscreen printing, tools and ongoing evaluation. These activities will address self-advocacy, sequencing and organization skills.

Artist-in-Residence Site:  Minnesota State Academy for the Blind

400 SE 6th Ave, Faribault (Con. Dist. 2)

Collaborating Teacher: Nicole Zweber

Teaching Artists: Christina Cotruvo,

Art Form: Harp music

Project Overview

Students were introduced to the harp instrument, history of the harp and its musicians of medieval times and 17^th, 19^th centuries. They worked collaboratively with peers, staff and the artist to learn how to play and tune the harp. One group of students assembled their own harp. Students had the opportunity to individually record their own harp music and perform for the school and community on the last day of the residency. Listen to their ensemble of “Ode to Joy” and sample name songs: https://www.dropbox.com/s/bkt7par7uj58yr0/Ode_to_Joy_Name_Song.mp3

Project Highlights

“Each student had a harp buddy to play and understand the harp with, which changed daily. No one had played a harp before.  All were able to do a glissando and pluck a string, many string patterns and most their own song and picking out a familiar one by the end of the residency. Nicole said that it has been so beneficial for Max (student), that it is unusual for him to be in a class not disrupting and kicking and that he asked her for his own harp time.” – Christina Cotruvo, Artist.

“One student who normally has a very difficult time with behaviors had and instant change in his demeanor and appearance on the very first day of the residency with Christina played the harp. He became very calm and relaxed and was extremely cooperative throughout the entire week. When playing with a partner he was on task and he worked really hard when creating music. He even got up during the final presentation to play something. Since the residency had has requested to have time to come during his breaks to play on the harp. It has been a great method of relaxation for him.” – Nicole Zweber, Teacher.