here - Education Management Corporation

stirring up a love for art
in chicago students
Every fall, winter and spring, children at Falconer Elementary School on Chicago’s Northwest Side can count on a visit
from students at The Illinois Institute of Art–Chicago. The college students come armed with lesson plans they’ve created
for art class. This program is especially significant because budget cuts have forced many schools like Falconer Elementary
to cut back on arts education spending.
“It’s great for our students to get out of their classrooms, and it brings a service learning component to their education,”
said associate professor Laurie Mucha, who incorporated the project into the curriculum of her Effective Speaking class.
Mucha created the “Art Lovers” program in 1996, and its popularity has only grown with time. Each college student is
charged with picking an artist and creating a project based on that artist’s work. “The [elementary school] kids learn to
look at art more critically and get the chance to connect with these young adult artists,” explained Mucha.
Falconer Elementary School Assistant Principal
Diana Acevedo believes the program is truly
beneficial for her students. “It gives our students
an appreciation for art, and they really look
forward to it.”
Mucha said her students enjoy the experience so
much that some have volunteered to participate
in future “Art Lovers” projects even though they
are no longer in her class.
When possible, Mucha tries to match her bilingual students with Falconer students who speak the same second language
to give the grade schoolers a greater connection to her students.