In collaboration with the Portland Public Schools, Side x Side developed a summer arts program to extend our arts-based programming in the public schools into the summer months. For the past six weeks, Side x Side has provided a summer art camp at the East End Community School. Led by teaching artists Hannah Tower and

Second graders at Great Falls and Village elementary schools in Gorham participated in a Side x Side program that integrated a science and literacy unit on the ocean with art. During the program, students learned about ocean zones and habitats and selected individual creatures to research. With Side x Side teaching artist Jill Osgood, students

Second graders in Ms. Penley’s class at Narragansett Elementary School in Gorham recently participated in a Side x Side program that integrated a literacy and writing unit with drawing and bookmaking. Students learned about ocean zones and habitats, and selected individual creatures to research. Working with teaching artist Jill Osgood, they then created handmade books

First graders at Ocean Avenue Elementary School participated in a Side x Side program that integrated a literacy and science unit on Maine birds with drawing and bookmaking. After choosing a Maine bird to research, students focused on their bird’s feet, feathers, beaks, and wings. They then worked with teaching artist Sarah Boyden to draw

First graders at Talbot Elementary School participated in a Side x Side program that integrated a literacy and science unit on Maine birds with drawing and sculpture. After choosing a bird to research, students created fact cards with riddles and scientific drawings focused on the physical features that help their birds survive. With teaching artist

Fifth graders at Presumpscot Elementary School participated in a Side x Side program that integrated an environmental literacy unit with printmaking. During the program, students studied ocean waves (the school mascot) with a focus on cultivating identity and community. They learned that like waves, each student is a unique individual while also being an important

Fourth graders at Lyseth Elementary School recently completed a Side x Side program that integrated environmental science with art. With teaching artist Leah Cross, students designed, illustrated, and painted rain barrels and canvas flags for the school’s pollinator garden, and added mosaic tile patterns to birdbaths.  

Fourth graders at Rowe Elementary School participated in a Side x Side program that integrated a science and literacy unit on animal behaviors with art. During the program, students became experts on the school’s mascot, the river otter, and animal behaviors including movement, defense mechanisms, and habitats. With teaching artist Jill Osgood, they drew, painted,