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Art Expression
Fall Art Expression at Foster School
Art Therapist: Ms. Anna Duchene
Foster Facilitators: Miss Lutz and Mrs. Myers
Fall 2009
 
Fifteen third grade students participated in the Art Expression classes at Foster School. Ms. Anna Duchene, a certified Art Therapist, led the children through a variety of activities centering on the theme of “Unlikely Heroes.” The goals for the students for the fall program were forming positive friendships and expressing themselves to others using art and creativity. With this in mind, the artists were asked to complete the ending to a Native American animal folktale by providing the story with a hero or heroine. Working in small groups of five, the children created colorful drawings of animals or creatures who surprised their peers by saving the day. They then were given the opportunity to read their stories to the Art Expression participants. This experience provided the students with a creative outlet to grow as friends and team members, to value the ideas and unique qualities of others, and to appreciate peers who they may have previously overlooked in other settings. At the end of the session, the artists were able to take home their unique tissue paper animals as a remembrance of the experiences gained in the Art Expression Program.
Spring 2009
 
The Third Grade Art Expression Class created a 3 dimensional city for their main
project. Working as a group, they decided what the city would look like, which buildings to include in the project, and used their problem solving skills to reach a consensus on the name of the city. “Dreamland” was built over the six week period and the artists reflected on their accomplishments, demonstrated respect for each other, and utilized individual and group strengths throughout the classes. The entire model city is on display in the Foster School Library.
 
Eleven third grade students participated in the Fall Art Expression Program at Foster School from September 29th to November 10th. This program is jointly funded by a foundation established by Angela and James Lowden (Mt. Lebanon residents) and the Mt. Lebanon School District. Throughout the six sessions, the students were given opportunities to develop and practice social skills through a variety of art activities. It also provided an avenue for personal expression within a small, supportive learning environment. In one of the art activities, the students created Peace Flags individually and within small groups.
As they created the “group flags,” they were encouraged to share ideas on the design of the final product and were reminded to be accepting of the suggestions of all members of the group. The flag sharing session was very successful in that it provided an avenue for each student to present their project to all members of the Art Expression Group. During the final class, the children decorated large puzzle pieces and were then instructed to work together using the pieces to create a final product. Teamwork skills were evident as they moved the puzzles pieces together to form a large, colorful hand.
It was evident that the students enjoyed the Art Expression Activities and they also interacted with their peers in a positive manner.
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