Noyes Museum & AC Mural Tour follow Creative Classroom Experience
Over 300 students from Principle Academy Charter School explored the arts first-hand in an innovative Meet the Artist program made possible by the Schultz-Hill Foundation in collaboration with the Noyes Arts Garage at Stockton University, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Atlantic City Arts Foundation.
The second through sixth graders created artwork at school during lessons with a visiting guest artist. Then, over a two-day span, the students visited the Noyes Arts Garage to see some of their artwork on display. They toured the African American History Museum and visited the murals throughout Atlantic City.
“Creativity is the highest level of learning, and the collaboration with the Schultz-Hill Foundation took our art studies to the next level,” said Sara Caporilli, Chief Operating Officer, Principle Academy Charter. “From beautifully packaged supplies to hands-on guidance from visiting artists, every detail enriched our students’ learning journey. Working collaboratively with our art teacher, Lindsey Johnson, the visiting artist seamlessly integrated age-appropriate projects into our curriculum, sparking transformative outcomes. Our school is committed to a purpose-driven arts curriculum, and we truly appreciate the chance for our students to step away from campus to experience a bigger picture.”
Visual artist Chanelle René from Cape May was selected by the Noyes as the visiting art instructor. She started the fifth grade lesson on polymer clay frogs by talking about the different colors of frogs in nature. “They aren’t just green,” she said. “They come in blue, orange, and purple, and those were the inspiration for the colors we’re using today.”
Fifth grade student Jurnee named her frog “Lily.” “This is the first time I’ve done something like this,” she said. “It was fun. I liked that we could create frogs with their own personality.” Classmate Yahel noted it was his first time working with polymer clay, too. “I’m an artist and I like drawing. This is like drawing in 3D.”
“There are no mistakes in art,” René noted as students worried whether they were doing the right thing. Afterward, she explained the program’s impact. “If you get the kids involved in exploring their creativity, there’s no limit to what they can achieve. Art is the gateway to imagination and possibility.”
Principle Academy Charter (PAC) is a K-6 public charter school, with students from several different sending districts, including Pleasantville, Atlantic City, Egg Harbor Twp., Galloway, Somers Point, and Absecon. Students often come from economically disadvantaged families.
The Meet the Artist student program is part of the Schultz-Hill Foundation’s mission to promote and support arts, history, and education in South Jersey via educational scholarships, direct grants and funding for the Arts, historical and musical programs. For more information, visit http://www.schultz-hill.org.
