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Elements of the project described here changed due to Covid-19
Elements of the project described here changed due to Covid-19
Being Leonardo
Being Leonardo was a partnership between Middletown Art Center (MAC) and the Middletown Unified School District (MUSD). Using daVinci’s scientific and artistic inquiry as a model, Artists collaborated with classroom teachers to integrate scientific explorations with artistic expressions. This place-based project deepened students' understanding and appreciation of the natural world, aesthetics, and real world applications of form and function.
Project Outline: Students will inquire into the impacts of the devastating 2015 Valley Fire, and subsequent tree removal, on ecosystems at Trailside Park. They will observe, reflect and form hypothesis as a basis for artistic activities and experimentation. They will design sculptural installations that respond to, and help repair damaged ecosystems. Students will work collaboratively to select and refine designs, then work with local sculptors to fabricate them. Through restorative action in the park, students will engage in healing their own fire trauma.
At each grade level, Teaching Artists will regularly work with core teachers to scaffold activities that incorporate Common Core and National and State Visual Arts Standards especially as relates to Science. The project will be led by experienced Teaching Artists and credentialed art teachers, an Engineer and local sculptors.
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The culminating activity will be the public opening reception of the 2020 annual Walk showcasing student work alongside that of professional artists and bringing people back to the park. An exhibit of student artwork created during the project will occur at the MAC Gallery and serve as a fundraiser to help sustain the presence of artists in our in schools. Both exhibits help solidify and extend the role of the arts in local culture. The Walk reopened in late May 2019 after 3 years of closure.
Being Leonardo includes select grade levels from six MUSD schools. While grades 3-7 will engage in discrete classrooms, High School level will engage in interdisciplinary collaboration (Biology, Engineering, and Shop). Artists will model career options in the arts and connections to real world life skills. |
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Donations of funds materials, supplies, expertise, or time are much appreciated to support Being Leonardo.
Donate with your credit card through PayPal or send checks to:
P.O. Box 1616 Middletown, CA 95461 Contact us about contributing materials time etc. |
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Being Leonardo is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency. Visit www. art.ca.gov to learn more about the CAC's work throughout California.
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