Bring Creativity to Life: Arts in Education at Erie Arts & Culture
Erie Arts & Culture’s Arts in Education program continues to make a vibrant and creative impact across our six-county region, bringing meaningful artistic experiences to schools and community spaces year after year. Thanks to our partnership with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, along with generous support from grants and donations, we’re able to connect talented artists with schools, libraries, senior centers, and community organizations. So far this fiscal year, we’ve completed nine residencies, with nine more in progress and plenty more on the way!
Murals that Inspire
Artist Marcy Hall brought color and creativity to the Oil City Library, working alongside volunteers of all ages to design and paint a mural on the steps leading to the children’s library entrance. Begun over the summer and completed in September, this project is now a welcoming gateway for young readers and artists alike.
Art and Science Collide
Our exciting partnership with the Regional Science Consortium at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center kicked off with artist Ashley Pastore leading an innovative residency. Students from five school districts took part in an environmental restoration project, removing invasive plants from Presque Isle State Park. But instead of simply discarding the plants, they worked with Ms. Pastore to turn them into handmade paper and extract dyes for natural inks—a hands-on fusion of art and sustainability that will continue into the spring and summer.
“Working as an artist in residence with Erie Arts and Culture and the Regional Science Consortium has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Collaborating with the brilliant minds at RSC has opened up new ways of thinking about my work, and the kindness and support from EAC have made this journey even more meaningful. Through these residencies, I’ve had the privilege of sharing creativity with people of all ages—from curious kindergarteners to the wise seniors at the Soldiers and Sailors Home. Seeing how art can spark joy, connection, and discovery in others has been humbling, and I’m grateful for the chance to learn and grow alongside the communities I work with.” - Ashley Pastore
A Brush-Free Mural Experience
At Perry Elementary, artist Ceasar Westbrook led students through a unique mural-making experience—without using traditional brushes! Instead, they experimented with sponges, bottle caps, and other tools to design and paint a vibrant hallway mural, leaving their creative mark on their school in a fresh and innovative way.
Hands-on Ceramics
Students at the Elizabeth Lee Black School at the Barber National Institute had an incredible opportunity to work with ceramics artist Jessie Simmons. Over the course of the residency, they created over 300 individual pieces, which were proudly displayed at a gallery show in December. Seeing their work showcased was a moment of pride and joy for students, teachers, and families alike.
The Beat Goes On
Musician Mikel Prester introduced students at The Learning Center in Meadville to the rhythms of drumming. With his guidance, students quickly moved from learning basic drum techniques to creating their own compositions, finding confidence and expression through music.
Dance with a Twist
Teaching artist Marquis Wallace brought movement and creativity to an after-school dance class at Elk Valley Elementary School. Using props like ribbons, hoops, and even stuffed animals, students explored rhythm and coordination while choreographing their own unique routines.
Get Involved: Become a Teaching Artist or Host a Residency
Are you an artist looking to share your craft with the community? Or an educator or organization interested in bringing meaningful artistic experiences to your space? Erie Arts & Culture’s Arts in Education program is always looking to expand opportunities for creativity and learning!
For Artists: Becoming a teaching artist allows you to inspire and engage students, seniors, and community members through hands-on residencies. Whether your expertise is in visual arts, music, dance, theater, or folk traditions, your skills can make a lasting impact. We provide support, training, and resources to help you develop and deliver engaging arts experiences.
For Schools & Community Organizations: Hosting an artist residency brings dynamic, interactive learning to your classroom or space. Residencies are designed to align with educational goals while fostering creativity, collaboration, and self-expression.
If you're interested in becoming a teaching artist or hosting a residency, we’d love to hear from you! Contact Jim Hain at james@erieartsandculture.org to learn more.
