Congratulations Graduates!

This year marks the first year of students, now fifth-graders, to graduate from the GROW program! The GROW program began in the 2013-14 school year. I became the GROW teacher for the Nasher in the spring of the 2014-15 school year, and I feel fortunate to have witnessed these students blossom into the confident and thoughtful museum-goers they are now.  

A few fun facts about the 5th graders:

• The 5^th graders traveled 4.7 miles 14 times over 4 years.
• They viewed and discussed more than 60 works of art during their visits.
• Each field trip is made possible by 4 Rosemont teachers, 3 Nasher education staff members, 2 chaperones and 1 Nasher gallery teacher.

I'd also like to recognize the positive influence and hard work of the wonderful Rosemont teachers: Ms. Cianciulli, Ms. Lawson, Ms. Rodgers, and Ms. Stegall.  And let's not forget our super helpful parent volunteers Ms. Marquez and Ms. Pinkerton!  The success of this program would not be possible without everyone's contribution.

Below are messages and comments about the students.

Best wishes for the graduates: I am so very proud of each and every one of you! From 2nd grade through 5th, your commitment to growing as students of modern/contemporary sculpture has been admirable, your growth impressive, your unwavering enthusiasm inspiring. May it propel you into a life-long love of museums and the magical pieces within!
- Stacy Cianciulli, Art Teacher, Grades K – 2, Rosemont Primary 

Dear GROW Graduates! I can’t believe your four years in GROW are coming to a close! I’m so proud of you guys for carrying the torch and leading the GROW program. You are true leaders! I hope that you have enjoyed your journey, but more importantly grown in your knowledge and appreciation for art, sculpture, and the special places that hold them… like the Nasher.  I know it may not be clear to you right now, but I believe you will look back on this gift of a journey, and it is a special gift, with cool memories and gratefulness for many years to come. 
- Most sincerely, Kellie Lawson, Art Teacher, Grades 3 – 8, Rosemont Elementary 

I asked my son Coleman about his experiences and we had a nice chat about the Ann Veronica Janssens fog room and room with piano benches (Chalet Dallas) being his favorites. I value the high quality teaching, like the time the teacher brought in blues music to talk about the African American experience which shaped artist Melvin Edwards’s life and perspective. I also love that the children create a beautiful art journal over time. Thanks for this special opportunity, we are grateful.
- Courtney Pinkerton, GROW Chaperone and Parent

To commemorate this momentous occasion, we had a graduation party after school yesterday.  We began by repeating the same questions and writing prompts that the fifth graders completed during their second-grade audition in order to assess their progress in thinking about and expressing ideas related to sculpture and visiting art museums.  We also encouraged to them to reflect on what they learned over the past four years. Below are some responses:

How have your feelings about sculptures changed over the past four year?
- In the past, I've looked at sculptures and thought "meh" about them. Now I think "oooh" about them.
- I have learned that sculptures can be anything but they always mean something.
- I have learned a different perspective about art. I also learned that I should think about how hard artists work.
- Over the years I've begun to feel and look at art differently. Sculptures aren't always still, they can be moving or even living.

How did your GROW journey change your feelings about going to a museum?
- I feel much more excited and encouraged to go.
- I used to never want to go to a museum, but when my mom made me try out and I got in they saw something in me, kind of letting me know I'm important. I tried to learn as much as possible and it grew on me.
- At first going to the museum was boring to me because there was just a quick look at something and then on to the next sculpture, but with GROW they take their time, nothing was rushed and they tried to tell us all they could about the sculpture.

What would you tell someone who is just starting the GROW program?
- You will love it.
- It is really fun, trust me.
- Don't try too hard. They chose you because you were good and you have potential. You will love it.
- I'd tell them to really look at the art, ask questions, have fun, and get ideas.
- I would tell them I know it might be just a way to miss or get out of school but when you get there you will be opened up to a whole new world!

After completing their written assessment, the students received graduate certificates and mortarboards.

Every graduation needs pizza!

Ms. Lawson made a delicious cake!

We planted a bur oak tree in honor of our friend Tom Jungerberg.

Students personalized river rocks to adorn the tree.

Congratulations graduates.  I hope you feel proud for all you've accomplished, and I look forward to seeing where your journey takes you next!

Big hugs,
Ms. Melissa