A message and mid-year report from our Program Manager, Amanda:

Thanks to your support, our art program is putting more paintbrushes, canvases, and creative tools directly into the hands of teachers. Through increased efficiency to reduce costs in expenses like shipping, we are able to reinvest those savings into the supplies that fuel classroom creativity itself. The result is more resources for teachers, more opportunities for students, and a bigger impact!

In partnership with The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, we hosted two dynamic workshops for art educators.

Eighty-one elementary teachers explored “Blown Blooms,” inspired by Tiffany’s 1893 art glass, learning the science behind iridescent surfaces before creating flower-form vases. Thirty middle school teachers participated in “Making a Lasting Impression,” uncovering the history of letter writing and designing personalized Victorian-style stationery.

OCPS PRE-PLANNING

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & ART KITS

With two of five planned workshops completed, teachers now have the resources to inspire 6,450 student artworks, and we saved hundreds in shipping by bringing the art kits directly to the sessions for immediate distribution.

“Tiffany Art Glass Textures” brought 25 elementary teachers together to explore Tiffany’s glass techniques and create inspired artwork. “Arts and Letters” engaged 18 secondary teachers in connecting art and the written word through word-based portraits.

Aunt Winnie’s Art Corner remains a favorite staple in the Free Teacher Supply Store and on Pencil Boy Express – The Mobile Free Store. And now, this year, it’s available through Pencil Boy Curbside!

This gives teachers access to high-quality art supplies no matter how they shop with A Gift for Teaching. More than $533,000 worth of art supplies have been distributed through Aunt Winnie’s Art Corner since the start of the school year.

AUNT WINNE’S ART CORNER

“A Gift for Teaching is critical to my students and what I can do with them.

I teach art to about 300 students. Not only are the basic supplies (crayons, scissors, glue, pencils, markers, erasers, rulers, etc.) necessary for our daily use, but having these materials accessible through A Gift for Teaching gives me the means to support those students that excel and show a strong interest in art with materials to use at home and continue exploring their creativity.” – OCPS Art Teacher

Whether they’re exploring the science of iridescent surfaces or creating textured glass–inspired art, these unique projects show what’s possible when students have the right tools and inspiration.

By becoming a Classroom Hero with A Gift for Teaching, you help power impactful programs like ArtWorks all year long. Your monthly support ensures teachers and students can continue creating, discovering, and finding their voices through art.