My children love art and are thirsty for as much visual stimulation as possible. I am their visual arts teacher for this brand new charter school in East Chicago, IN. My little artists range from kindergarten to fifth grade. Because of the relative newness of the school, much of the finances have been going towards the basic needs of the students such as school furniture, academic books, computers, light bulbs, heating and air-conditioning, etc. For a while, it was touch and go as to whether they would have space and money for an art room at all!
Needless to say, I am very grateful that I have an art room from which my artists can create. But they need more than just four walls and some tables to find inspiration (our budget barely had the money for that). They need to see that artists and their histories are a fluid, lively and stimulating adventure. Like themselves, artists have to learn much and practice hard to become adept at their craft. They, too, struggle through hardships so that they can reach their goals. And for my students, I want them to realize that artists and their art are as diverse and colorful as they and the community they live in can be.
How better to show my students this but through a glorious and awesome library of artist's biographies, pictures and movements. I have selected a variety of books that describe and catalog some of the most famous artists throughout history. Additionally, female artists and artists of color are also featured in this special library. Besides being able to read about artists, I would like my students to use the information and pictures in these books as a springboard for inspiration in their own works of art.
Your help will insure that my students will know that art is not just something that happens two to three times a week in one-hour increments. Art is something that drives the soul, beautifies the world, inspires greatness, questions the status quo, and communicates a person's need to leave a mark behind. Please help to make this Awesome Artist Library appear!
If you donated to this project, you can sign in to leave a comment for Ms. R..
DonorsChoose is the #1 classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. R. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
