According to the National Education Association (NEA), in the vast majority of public schools arts programs are being cut. This despite the fact a strong majority of Illinois superintendents and principals report that they believe: Students who study the arts perform better on standard achievement tests and on college entrance exams.
In 2001, Americans for the Arts conducted a Harris Poll public opinion survey to assess the American public’s attitude about arts. They found that 95% of parents believe the arts are important for preparing children for the future. With LSTA funding, the Bring in the Arts (BIA) meets the Metro East area and parents’ needs for arts education. BIA partners the Glen Carbon Centennial Library with the Edwardsville Children’s Museum and the Edwardsville Arts Center to help children learn more about the arts.
The most exciting feature of the grant — Three kiosks targeted for 5-9 year olds were developed to represent the umbrella title of “Bring in the Arts.” Each mobile kiosk represents a different subject. These include: Storytelling and Theatre, Music and Dance, and Arts and Crafts. The kiosks have three components: Interactive Touch-Screen Displays; Cabinetry for hands-on items, and shelving for titles related to the subject.
The physical kiosks are made of plywood and covered in brightly colored laminates for a kid-friendly feel. Heavy-duty casters are also included for moving the exhibit. Each kiosk houses bookshelves on one side and a touch-screen monitor on the other. The 15-inch monitors are each powered by an Apple MacMini which is mounted inside a locked cabinet area. Pre-loaded DVDs can be played by using the touch-screen functionality, which includes basic navigation and volume control for ease of use. Sound is heard through a couple of Dell Mini 2-way speakers installed on either side of the monitor.
Each kiosk’s subject also has a special “interactive” element. Storytelling and Theater has a puppet show window, Music and Dance has a mirror and Arts and Crafts has a magnetic, dry-erase board.
Special, knock-down frames were created for 72″ x 18″ banners which sit on top of each exhibit to identify them. The graphics and wording represent what’s below. For example, Storytelling and Theatre’s banner says “Once upon a time.”
Custom logos, characters and graphics were also applied to the exhibits in vinyl to add to the fun! In addition, bookmarks, coloring sheets, stickers, postcards and a tri-fold brochure were created.
The kiosks are available to area libraries, schools, daycares, and pre-schools for loan. Over 600 postcards will be mailed to these entities at the end of the summer to announce the availability of the kiosks. It is the library’s hope that the kiosks will be on loan continually to reach as many children as possible.
Storytelling and Theater Kiosk
Arts and Crafts Kiosk
Music and Dance Kiosk
Another important component of the grant funding hired instructors for Art Instructional Programs held at the Library. The 1-2 hour hands-on arts workshops were held at all times of the day and evening to reach as many participants as possible. LSTA funding covered the costs of the instructor fees and required materials for each student. Edwardsville Arts Center and the Edwardsville Children’s Museum provided partial assistance for the instructors, arts materials, and promotional materials. Following is a list of arts classes held at the Library with pictures below:
- Discover the Artist: A Painting Program for All Ages
- Not Just Any Valentine Art Class
- Creating the Sounds of Nature
- Growing Great Pictures: the Art of Lois Ehlert
- Colorful Art: the Art of Eric Carle
- Pineapple Prints: Printing with Fruits and Vegetables
- Easter Egg Painting
- Spring is in the Air
- Creative Coasters
- Magnets for Mom’s Day
- Paint a Flower Pot
- Bead Making
Other Classes held at EAC included: Weave a Rainstick, Marvelous Metals, Watercolor or Oil Painting, Art 101, Introduction to Drawing, Ceramics for Everyone, Weave A Bag, Square Bottom Basket, and Portrait Drawing for Beginners. The library has received numerous compliments on the class offerings.
Magnets for Moms Day was one of my favorites; it was a delight to see fathers’ helping their children to create a handmade Mom’s day gift as a special surprise for Mom. The Director of the Edwardsville Arts Center told me a local grandmother was very happy to sign her grandchildren up for the free classes sponsored by the library, to give them an opportunity to “experience art.”
Approximately five hundred (500) participants received access to the arts through workshops and classes funded by this LSTA grant held at the Library, Edwardsville Arts Center, and Stephenson House. The EAC and the Library hosted an Artists’ Reception at the Library on June 14th to display all participants’ art work.
The Star City Library, another exciting element of the grant, was developed and assembled at the Edwardsville Children’s Museum. The mini-library located in a loft area of the Museum includes a mini-Circulation Desk, shelving, computer, and barcode scanner; a lighted reading corner; and arts and crafts table to enable young children to play “librarian.” The library is part of the “Star City” along with a town hall, police and fire station, and doctor’s office.
For those interested in borrowing the kiosks, they can be viewed on the glencarbonlibrary.org website. The kiosks will be available for loan starting on September 1st. An online calendar and request form to borrow the kiosks, coming soon. Until then, to schedule the kiosk(s), contact Anne Hughes, Library Director, at anneh@lcls.org or 618.288.1212.