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Free Art Program Encourages Self-Discovery Through Art at Corona Library

By Katie Honan | February 15, 2016 3:45pm
 Art work from a previous ProjectArt class.
Art work from a previous ProjectArt class.
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ProjectArt

CORONA —  Budding artists looking for inspiration and education can attend classes at the 104th Street library each week. 

ProjectArt picks up where many schools leave off, and in many cases offers the only art program to kids whose schools have cut it altogether, according to Grace McDonald, the organization's head of programs.

"We really target libraries in neighborhoods where art education has been cut in the surrounding schools," she said.

They talk to librarians, teachers and people within the community to see where the greatest need is. They also craft a curriculum around a community, with guidance from professors at Teachers College, McDonald said. 

"We really have a dialogue-based form of curriculum where we encourage the teachers to ask a lot of questions to their students so that they can learn through self-discovery rather than the teacher telling them how to paint," she said.

Classes had around 10 to 15 students each week in the fall session and they accept walk-in students.

The first class for the "spring semester" was held last week, but the program kicks up Feb. 25 with its hour-long class. 

Through painting, drawing and other art tools, students will learn about healthy eating, collaboration and civic duties in their community.

The free program concludes May 5 with a gallery reception and art presentation.