ARTIST IN RESIDENCY

For the 24/25 school year we received a grant from the VT Arts Council to implement a 6 month Artist in Residency program. Our intent was to provide children of all ages with opportunities to dive in depth into experiences to expose them to a variety of arts while also offering educational opportunities to families and our early childhood educators.

In January the preschool worked with Susannah Olson on an arts integration project exploring the story telling, characters, setting and scene. The Older Preschoolers explored “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson and the younger preschoolers explored “Strega Nona” by Tomie dePaola.

In February and March all children explored African drumming with Jek Kulu. After weekly sessions, the experience culminated with the group preforming at our annual Pancake Dinner.

In April and May all children worked with Carolyn Crotty of Whirled Tree Arts. Over the course of 4 weeks all 6 classrooms created components of a 3D mural project involving paint, collage, felting, clay and more. This collaborative project was displayed at our annual Art Show. In addition, families and early childhood educators took workshops on how to use art as a tool for connection, communication and processing emotions.

In June the toddlers and preschoolers explored aerial dance and movement with teachers at Murmurations Aerial a their studio. Children explored ways to move their bodies, stretching, yoga and how to use suspended fabrics for aerial movement and sensory exploration.

FLYNN THEATER

Each year the Preschool classrooms attend shows at the Flynn Center in downtown Burlington. These outings coincide with classroom curriculum to provide enriching experiences. This year the children saw “But Why? A Podcast for Curious Kids” about birds and “Cirque Kalabante”.