What we do
SkyART offers quality, collaborative and experimental art experiences and art therapy in schools through our original SkyWAY methodology and Project Impact. Through the SkyWAY and our Artist in Residence model, we aim to animate students’ school day with creativity, experimentation and free choice. We ask the young people, “what do you want to make?” and engage them in discussion about the expansive possibilities of art. Together with classroom teachers and the administration, we will cater the program to each school and classrooms’ needs so that participants feel a sense of ownership and community. Students will not only have the chance to make meaningful artworks, but also to get up out of their chairs and move, stretch, dance, perform, or just take a few deep breaths. At the end of the school year, students will have the opportunity to show their work in a final exhibition or showcase.
Project Impact (Art Therapy)
SkyART’s Project Impact programs are led by licensed Art Therapists or masters level interns in open-studio style art sessions with small groups of youth who are empowered to heal trauma or explore their identities through visual art. Art can be a powerful tool for healing and communicating. Working with an image can help youth connect without shutting down. Colors, lines and shapes allow young people to express emotions that are difficult to put into words. Art therapy groups through Project Impact in schools are conducted with small groups of 5-10 students during or after school.
The goal
School students who participate in the SkyWAY program with SkyART Teaching Artists will be empowered to think critically and creatively during the course of their studies and in all aspects of life. Research shows multiple academic and behavioral benefits of arts education for at risk students with higher levels of arts engagement or arts learning including significant improvements in school achievement (Catterall, 2012), grade point averages and self esteem (Respress & Lutfi, 2006). Participation in art programs helps reduce disciplinary issues, increases compassion and empathy, and improves college motivation (Bowen & Kisida, 2019). The goal of our school program is to invigorate students’ academic day with art and to bring new participants into our studio, because we believe in creativity as a means toward transformative prosperity and wellbeing (SkyART Manifesto).
Building partnerships
SkyART aims to build ongoing and impactful partnerships with schools, administrations and classroom teachers. The first step of a partnership is for SkyART to host a field trip at our studio at no cost to the school — we may be able to provide transportation for groups of up to 14 students in our van. If a teacher or administrator is interested in partnering with SkyART to provide SkyWAY programing in their school, our School Program Manager and/or Director of Programs will meet with them to discuss what that partnership looks like. It is vital to the success of our program that school partners are actively involved. In most cases, SkyART and the school will share the cost of the program. Partnerships also include professional development opportunities for school administrators and teachers. SkyART will provide qualified Teaching Artists (we aim for a 10:1 teacher to student ratio) and the school is expected to provide a teacher or staff person who will be present at all times during programs.
Assessment & evaluation
Assessment and evaluation are key components necessary for the ongoing success of our programs. We will undertake evaluations in schools once per quarter, surveying students and observing Teaching Artists. Through professional development and evaluation we give interns, assistants and Teaching Artists the opportunity to grow within the organization. We understand that it takes time to build a productive, creative culture like the one we enjoy at SkyART, and aim to work with schools on an ongoing basis to improve our programing and deepen our impact.
SkyART has a CPS Vendor Number [77706] which allows us to receive and bill for our services. We are able to teach in grades K-12.
For more information or to seek a proposal for your school, contact Schools and Community Program Manager, Kelly Christiel, at 773.965.1216 or kelly@skyart.org.