Art Kits For Kids

Hello Plano! My name is Joseph Boatfield and I teach art to our youngest artists in Plano, TX. As you know, the closings of schools and business due to COVID has impacted families across Plano. As a teacher, I created Art Education content to share with families. Unfortunately, many families are experiencing financial struggles. Creativity is a vital skill. In the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the arts are identified as essential subject areas within a well-rounded education. In addition to arts-related outcomes, participation in a visual arts education can also boost other areas of academic achievement—enhancing writing quality and early reading skills, improving test scores, increasing SAT scores, and contributing to postsecondary success. An education which includes the visual arts can bolster the outcomes of underserved students by aiding in the acquisition of English skills, increasing academic achievement of teenagers from low-income backgrounds, and expanding civic engagement. I would like to join forces with the Plano Art Centre In order to distribute kits of art supplies to underserved areas of Plano. These kits are created for all ages. Nothing would make me happier to see the children of Plano with a kit of art supplies this summer! As a teacher, my number one goal is safety. Every summer I have taught art related workshops for students in underserved communities of DFW. This summer, I plan to create kits that will be taken home for creative art-making. The process of picking up or distributing kits will follow all state and local guidelines including wearing masks, disinfecting supplies, and using gloves when handling. The kit will include basic art supplies such as colored pencils, markers, and a sketchbook for visual journaling. There will be a QR Code that the child can scan on their device which will bring them to a video where I explain the materials, give them an exercise to spark creativity, and demo a lesson. For those without devices, I would like basic instructions included that will be printed in English and Spanish. These kits will be available in areas such as libraries, shelters, and parks where the community can safely retrieve these creative materials. The value of creating these kits is that this project does not ask for a specific end result. The needs for our future leaders call for creative risk-taking and brainstorming multiple ways of solving problems. The learning is on-going through the practice of visual journaling. These kits offer endless possibilities and ways for our young artists to be curious, creative, and expressive learners. Please support this project and share with your community. Also, if you would be interested in the packing or distribution of these kits please send me an email to [email redacted] *this project is not affiliated with Plano ISD*