KO Schools Offer Innovative Art Classes

As the 15 or so students each at Myrtle Street and schools pressed seeds deeply into the soil, they probably never thought about the personal growth they might be experiencing as they wait for the flowers to sprout. But, that is the secret of the StART Growing Program of Art Expression Inc.; its classes are designed to teach children about art while giving them a better perspective on life.

Planting seeds is a metaphor for personal growth,” says Mary Anne McMullen, art therapist, who facilitates the Myrtle school program. “We do projects that reflect the different aspects of what a seed needs to grow. We talk about what nurtures us—what you do to nurture ourselves each day—healthy aspects of living.”

Those principles of science will be carried into the construction of a mandala, a design using the sun as a central force that radiates the element of light to the soil and water and that begets talk of the strength in numbers and the mutual benefits of community and cooperation. While they are creating, they also are developing skills and learning how to express themselves and problem solve.

“It is a pleasure,” McMullen says. “You see a lot of wonderful reactions when, within their comfort levels, kids are encouraged to talk about their art. It is easier to get up and talk about their artwork than to talk about themselves.”

During their six-week innovative adventure, a mix of special needs and regular education students experience a progression of artistic projects that reflect their own changing selves, evolving from a group of students into a group of friends who can recognize their commonality and respect their differences.

It is through the art the children are able to see things in each other they may never have known otherwise. Without the stress of grades or criticism or lots of rules or structure, the children are given freedom, both in the classroom and in their artwork.

Art is a natural way for kids to talk in a language that is uniquely theirs,” says Susan Novak, art therapist for Art Expression.

Art Expression is the creation of Angela and Jim Lowden of Mt. Lebanon, whose experiences with a family member with a disability drove them to find a way to help him become more a part of the social aspects of school. Angela Lowden turned to her artistic background for a way to help all children.

“My passion for children and art made me think art is a wonderful, gentle, welcoming safe way.”

Although the program was designed and is implemented by art therapists, it is not therapy-oriented, but focuses on skill development and self expression in an inclusive supportive atmosphere, says Angela Lowden.

Ten years ago, the Lowdens worked with the Mt. Lebanon School District to institute the program in its schools and initially funded it themselves.

Since then, the Art Expression has been expanding to new school districts and has earned the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) and the American Art Therapy Associations (AATA) recent designation as a model program for our nation's K-12 schools.

The organization is now Art Expression Inc., a privately-funded foundation. All donations are tax deductible. Donations may be sent to Art Expression Inc., 31 Spalding Circle, Pittsburgh, PA 15228.

As one girl in the group's website video adds, the program is : “Out of the box. That means like outside of that little, common, little spot, where you have to do one thing and not do another thing. When you are outside of the box, you can actually show what you can do. It's like: What talents do you have? What can you do? Show me!”

The six-week, afterschool art program is free to the students and is offered twice a year at Mytle Avenue and Dormont schools. The program is funded by grants received from the Grable Foundation and Benedum Foundation STEAM Grant.

Currently, Art Expression classes also are offered through Mt. Lebanon School District at Jefferson Middle School and Mellon Middle School; and at Foster, Hoover, Howe, Jefferson, Lincoln, Markham and Washington elementary schools. South Allegheny School District offers classes at South Allegheny Elementary School. 

Art Expressions has three programs:

• Project Eco-smArt—teaches students to transform non-recyclable materials into renewed objects.

• From the HeArt—connects children of military families stationed outside the United States with children in the Pittsburgh area, using art as a medium to provide support and empathy.

• StART Growing—integrates science and art to address the importance of nurturing both one's both self and the environmental.

The organization’s website is: http://www.artexpressioninc.org/index.php