BIG ARTS provides outreach update
BIG ARTS reported that its Arts Education and Fine Arts departments recently stepped out into the community to host a vibrant, four-day outreach program at The Heights Center in Fort Myers.
From June 15-18, the program engaged more than 120 students in grades K-8 as part of the center’s summer programming. Spearheaded by Arts Education Director Aimée Harrison and Gallery Director Wilson McCray, in collaboration with the center’s Program and Volunteer Coordinator Olivia Clifton, the program provided underserved youth with a powerful opportunity for hands-on creative growth.
Each day, a different age group of students dove into art history, learning about the unique styles of influential artists before creating their own masterpieces. On June 15, students in grades K-2 explored the bold, geometric world of Piet Mondrian. On June 16, grades 3-4 celebrated the vibrant, fluid paper cut-outs of Henri Matisse. On June 17, students in grades 5-6 focused on the brilliant, rhythmic abstract circles of Sonia and Robert Delaunay. On June 18, grades 7-8 experimented with the spontaneous, biomorphic forms of Jean Arp.
In addition to crafting one-of-a-kind individual pieces to take home, the students combined their talents to create large-scale, collaborative murals. The teamwork allowed the children to see firsthand how their individual creativity could connect to build something massive and beautiful together.
Next season, the collaborative murals will go on display in the BIG ARTS West Gallery. The exhibit will welcome the public to celebrate the creativity, hard work, and spirit of Lee County’s youth.
BIG ARTS noted that the annual collaboration with The Heights Center is a core part of its mission to give back by inspiring local youth through the joy of art.