ArtsNOW

First up in our series this year: Youth Villages Georgia Inner Harbour Campus in Douglasville, Georgia!

This one holds a special place in our hearts.💛

As one of our residential schools, Youth Villages operates a little differently than a traditional school setting. Arts integration here isn't just about academic growth; it's woven into the full rhythm of daily life, with a deep emphasis on student wellness, self-expression, and healing. Creativity is alive around the clock at Youth Villages, and we mean that literally!

We just wrapped up a round of spring and summer sessions with their students, and we had the best time. The energy in that building is something special every single time we walk through the door.

We also want to give a special shoutout to their principal and school director, Lauren Crabtree, a true champion of this work.

Lauren has not only embraced arts integration within her school community but has also stood alongside us at the Principals' Network Conference and the Young Audiences - National Conference to share what this model can look like in a residential setting.

We are so grateful for her partnership and her belief in what the arts can do for students! Let's celebrate Youth Villages 🎉🌟

School may be out, but ArtsNOW is still showing up. ☀️

This summer we've been doing residency work at the Boys & Girls Club of Winder Barrow County, made possible through a 21st Century Grant from the Georgia Department of Education, and the learning happening in that room has been something special!

Students read about ocean pollution and then built their own coral reef sculptures using biodegradable materials, bringing the story to life with their hands.

They explored arrays and multiplication through sculpture.

They studied the properties of opaque, transparent, and translucent materials, drawing inspiration from the work of artist Tom Fruin to create pieces that play with light in really beautiful ways.

Literacy, math, and science were all woven together through the arts, even in the middle of July!

This is what we do. And we love every minute of it. 💛

Big things are happening in the EASE (Educational Advancement through STEM Engagement) Grant!🎉

This summer, EASE teacher leaders from Deer Chase Elementary School and Ellen Woodside Elementary spent time collaborating, exploring STEAM and technology tools, and refining learning experiences for students. Their creativity, leadership, and hard work are helping lay the foundation for what's next.

And what's next? We're excited to welcome six new schools to the EASE Grant community this year!

👏 Welcome:
🏫 Gateway Elementary School
🏫 Mitchell Road Elementary School
🏫 Tigerville Elementary School
🏫 Gracewood Elementary School
🏫 Monte Sano Elementary School
🏫 Sue Reynolds Elementary School

We're looking forward to another year of learning, creating, and growing together in Augusta & Greenville!