First graders at Rowe Elementary School participated in a Side x Side program that integrated a literacy and science unit on Maine birds with drawing and sculpture. The program kicked off with a visit from Sparks’ Ark who brought a live barred owl into the school! After choosing a bird to research, students created fact
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Personal Narratives Come Alive in Handmade Books Created by Fourth Graders at Connors Elementary School in Lewiston
Fourth graders at Connors Elementary School in Lewiston participated in a Side x Side program that integrated a history and literacy unit with bookmaking. During the program, students explored history, timelines, and the concept of primary sources to better understand how we tell stories over time. Students then created their own primary source by writing
Bridges With a Purpose Created by Fifth Graders at Ocean Avenue
Fifth graders at Ocean Avenue Elementary School recently wrapped up a Side x Side STEAM program that integrated mixed media sculpture with engineering, urban design, and practical problem solving. As part of a classroom unit called “Building Bridges,” and led by teaching artist Posey Moulton, the program began with an exploration of extraordinary bridges from
Reiche Community School Second Graders Create Dinosaur Fossils and Sculptural Reliefs During Arts-Integrated Program
Second graders at Reiche Community School recently completed a Side x Side program that helped to teach a science unit on dinosaur fossils through sculpture. Led by teaching artist Nance Parker, students learned about sculptural reliefs and then, using clay, designed and built their own reliefs of dinosaur fossils. They then used papier-mâché and paint
Animal Behaviors Brought to Life in Physical Theater Performance by Third Graders
Third graders at Lyseth Elementary School recently participated in a Side x Side program that integrated a science unit on animal behaviors with physical theater, storytelling, and performance. Led by teaching artist Gretchen Berg, students worked collaboratively to create, rehearse, and perform original physical theater pieces exploring and sharing their scientific research on animal behaviors
Second Graders Use Physical Theater to Tell the Stories of Schools Around the World
Second graders at Longfellow Elementary School recently wrapped up a Side x Side program integrating physical theater and performance with writing and research during a unit on Schools Around the World. Students explored the many barriers children face in accessing education globally, and the creative ways communities provide equitable education despite challenges such as natural disasters,
Student Art Exhibit and Opening Reception Served as Learning Experience During Portland’s First Friday Art Walk
The bitterly cold winter weather on Friday, December 5th didn’t deter the crowds from getting outside to enjoy Portland’s First Friday festivities. In honor of the event, Side x Side hosted an opening reception for an exhibit of student art work created during after-school classes at the studio. Classes included: Creative Explorations, Threads & Textures,
Original Poetry Comes to Life at East End School Through Art
Fourth graders at East End Community School recently wrapped up an arts-integrated Side x Side program called, “Poetic Forms and Inspiring Minds.” A collaboration between Side x Side teaching artist Leah Cross and classroom teachers, students wrote original poetry and used drawing, watercolor, and collage to visually represent their poems and the inspiration behind them.
Summer Campers Get Messy During a Week of Sculpture Making!
Beautiful starfish and creative buildings were made during Oak Street Studios papier-mache sculpture summer art camp July 21–25!
Oak Street Studios Drawing & Painting Summer Camp Kicks of Mid-July
During Oak Street Studios Drawing & Painting summer art camp in July, campers learned how to draw self-portraits, played games, drew music, and created some beautiful art with teachers Phyllis Sabattis and Bella Bloom!









