Congratulations 2018 Graduates!

I can hardly believe another year has passed, and another group of GROW students has graduated!  It has been such a gift to witness and be a part of these students' journey over the past four years.

Earlier this month, the 5th grade students met one last time at Rosemont.  To assess what the students learned and experienced over the past four years, they completed the same audition questions that were used in the selection process at the beginning of second grade. 

Once the students finished the assessment, they enjoyed pizza and Ms. Lawson's delicious homemade blueberry cake.

We also asked students a few questions that encouraged them to reflect on their GROW experience.  Below are a few responses:

How have your feelings about sculptures changed over the past four years?
- I learned how hard the artists work on their art. I have learned that sculptures can be made of almost actually literally everything.
- Four years ago I thought all sculptures are boring, but when I went I saw that the sculptor put some inspiration or feeling in it. I learned that they are more than just something that looks pretty. It's passion.
- At first I thought that a sculpture had to be perfect, like the statue of David, but now I see that sculpture can be almost anything.

How did your GROW journey change your feelings about going to a museum?
- It makes me want to go every day to see what I missed and what's new.
- My GROW journey makes me feel like museums are a way to express yourself, not like a hospital like I thought they were like when I was in 2nd grade.
- I did not know everything about art and I did not "love" it, but now I share a passion for it.
- It made me feel like if you really think about the artwork you're looking at (and you don't just look at it for 3 seconds) you can really find the meaning of the artwork.
- At first I was like cool, okay, but now I'm like YES!

What would you tell someone who is just starting the GROW program?
- That over the years the art gets better and you will love GROW.
- To listen carefully so you don't miss anything exciting.
- I would say that you will definitely look forward to each field trip and that you will see things you never thought you'd see before. 
- I would tell them that it is an amazing experience and to enjoy it while you can because these 4 years have gone so quickly.
- You are going to have so much fun!

To finish our graduation celebration, students received mortarboards and GROW certificates.

A big THANK YOU to the wonderful teachers, chaperones, and Nasher staff that make this program possible. Ms. Cianciulli, Ms. Lawson, Ms. Rodgers, and Ms. Stegall do so much work behind the scenes to prepare students for their visits and nurture their curiosity.  Our fabulous parent chaperones Mr. Fantauzzi and Ms. Rodriquez have been an engaged and positive presence during every tour. 

It's so exciting to see these bright young minds develop and move on to bigger and better things.  As I told this the students: I hope this isn't goodbye, just see you later!! 

Rosemont Family Day 2018

This year's Rosemont Family Day was super fun!  We had a scavenger hunt, two artist-led activities, a live DJ, and cool treats from Steel City Pops. We also enjoyed a wonderful performance by the Rosemont Dance Companies, which included current GROW students as well as a GROW graduate.  Thanks to everyone who joined us!

At artist Mylan Nguyen's table, visitors made personal talismans on small porcelain discs that they could wear on a chain or string necklace.

Mylan and her sister

At artist Jessica Trevizo's table, visitors made their very own screenprint that they could fill in with color after the paint dried.

Rosemont Royals Dance Company

Rosemont Repertory Dance Company

Braunwyn, a 4th-grade GROW student, and Ms. Lawson

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