Professional development is essential to making the arts sustainable in the classroom and community. Arts @ Large provides various workshops, forums, symposiums, and other events that give teachers and artist educators fresh ways to integrate the arts into the classroom and collaborate within the community.

Professional Development Key for Teachers and Artists, December 2008

Both teachers and artist educators braved the frigid weather in December to enjoy a full day of hands-on workshops during the 2nd annual Teacher/Artist Educator Forum at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts.  The theme was “Story Weaving: Sharing Stories to Build Community” and participants had a chance to tell their stories through the rhythmic beat of the drum with Tom Gill, the creative process of bookmaking with Robin Kinney, the infinite world of multi-media with Dave Olson and Ryan Hurley, the power of the positive thinking and using the Law of Attraction with Carol Ebert, and the timeless art of storytelling with Mama Nomusa.  This forum gave teachers fresh approaches and ideas to use in the classroom. It gave artist educators methods and techniques that help them engage students and give voice to the stories so many youth are waiting to share.  This dynamic environment lent itself to forging connections between artists and teachers, allowing them to share successes as well as provide a canvas to create the next masterpiece in arts education.

Harley-Davidson Museum Open House for MPS Teachers, December 2008

Groups of MPS teachers roamed the brand new Harley-Davidson Museum like biker gangs as they revved diesel engines, sat on vintage motorcycles and explored the history and creation of a local business.

In partnership with Arts @ Large, the Museum offered MPS teachers a free guided tour of the new building filled with interactive hands-on displays and learning opportunities.

During the 2009/10 school year, each Arts @ Large school that schedules a field trip for their students will receive 30 free copies of the book Harley and the Davidsons: Motorcycle Legends for their library. Published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, Harley and the Davidsons is a great resource for the classroom that includes exciting connections between science, social studies, history and English.  2009/10 Arts @ Large Schools who contact the Harley-Davidson Museum to schedule a tour for your students can provide proof of the scheduled tour to Arts @ Large and we will ship your FREE copies of Harley and the Davidsons to your school prior to the tour.  Click here to schedule your tour today!