Learning, Painting, and Collaboration...

When science teacher, Janna Levin from the UNC School of the Arts approached us last summer about a collaborative project between ABS and UNCSA, we jumped at the chance.  It was a unique opportunity to work with local artists and other educational institutions.  For us, the ability to do such projects is part of the pleasure of working at The Arts Based School. 

We have now embarked upon the ArtSTEM Mural Project.  As Dr. Levin’s students explore astronomical systems, our students will be learning about the ideas and contributions of key scientists.  These will include the traditional figures of Galileo, Kepler, Brahe, and Copernicus, and the children will also be researching the important contributions of many women like Mary Somerville, Caroline Hershel, and Maria Mitchell.

Our students will be working with artist, Laura Lashley to create a mural on campus.  (Meanwhile the students at the UNC School of the Arts will work with artist, Kendall Doub).  Last week our students got to meet Ms. Lashley.  She showed them some of her work and explained how her style as an artist has changed over the years.  She has moved from animal forms to more abstract-style paintings, always using bright and vibrant colors.  Ms. Lashley went on to explain that this project signifies yet another change in her style.  She told the students how she had never done anything quite like this. 

Here is the beauty of it, neither have we.  It will be an adventure for all involved and we are excited to see what will happen.  Throughout the process our students will post their thoughts and reactions on the ArtSTEM blog, so we will have a written record of what we are doing. 

In a few months, if you drive down Seventh Street, you will be able to see the fruits of our labors. 

In the meantime, here is to learning and painting and collaboration.