Red Ribbon Week

Our students are

Superheroes

Don't be a zero, be a Hero
Say no to drugs!

Our students at Mark Twain decorated their superhero capes and proudly wore it on #RedRibbonWeek Wednesday. 

 

ARTSY 2018

The Alton school art therapists are proud to announce that the selected art for the ARTSY poster is once again one of our students. 

Join us at the ARTSY opening on Saturday, May 5th to enjoy the art made by youth in art therapy settings throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. 

21^th Annual ARTSY Exhibition

Art Opening

Saturday    May 5, 2018   1:00-3:00

Enjoy the art, refreshments, live performances.

Jacoby Arts Center

(Near the McDonalds, Behind KFC)

627 East Broadway

Alton, IL 62002

(618) 462-5222

Hope to see you at the Opening Celebration!

But if you are not able to join, drop by the gallery any time between May 5th to Thursday, May 17th.

Gallery Hours (per website)

Thursday-Saturday, 10:00-5:00pm

Closed Sunday through Wednesday

It is recommended that you call in advance to ensure the gallery is opened if visiting one weekday.

Black History Month

Alton Middle School

February is the month when schools around the country highlight significant events, accomplishments, and people in the history of African-Americans.

Even the art therapists did not want to miss the opportunity to celebrate Black History month by participating in some of the schools’ initiatives.

Bill Schwartz and I teamed up to decorate a middle school door. The theme was:

CIVIL RIGHTS MOMENTS BETWEEN 1945 - 1976

Mr. Schwartz found Dr. Martin Luther King’s quote:

“Faith is taking the first step even if you cannot see the whole staircase.”

We then began to conceptualize our ideas by brainstorming and sketching. We took images of pivotal moments and people who took those necessary steps towards equality with courage. The orange ribbon was finally placed as a symbol of equality.

Mark Twain School

Among many other initiatives, staff at Mark Twain School also decided to decorate their doors to highlight significant African-Americans and events to celebrate Black History Month. 

I have decided to honor Dr. Mae Carol Jemison.

Dr. Jemison is the first Africa-American Woman Astronaut. She went into orbit in the Space Shuttle Endeavor on September 12, 1992.

Her contribution did not stop there. As a scientist, chemical engineer, physician, teacher, and astronaut, Dr. Jemison has been a strong advocate for science and technology especially among girls. She is also an art collector and a dancer. Dr. Jemison believes that art and science can and need to be combined. I had the honor of personally meeting her during her visit to Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville (SIUE) in March 2017. In her talk, she explained her mission and future vision to encourage others to make significant contributions for the benefit of all. 

If you interested in knowing more, this is the link of her website: http://jemisonfoundation.org/

Mark Twain is looking good!

The Alton School District remodeled and reopened Mark Twain School after the Winter Break. This new school is a K-12 location where students use their strengths to achieve the highest academic goals supported by prepared staff.  

The Ribbon Cut was a great time where students, staff, administrators, and community were able to show their enthusiasm in starting a new chapter in this up-to-date facility. 

The classrooms are fantastic with new and updated technologies to enhance the teaching material. The new gym is a wonderful space where students can practice healthy habits by engaging in physical education.

I also have a nice space located at the high school side where 9th-12th grade students can continue to express themselves through art.  Mrs. Clifford is the Mark Twain full time art therapist. She serves students K to 8th grade and her office is located in the south side of the building. 

I am excited to be part of this great community!