Third graders in Jes Ellis’ class at Talbot Elementary School recently wrapped up a Side x Side program that integrated a Wabanaki studies and science unit on the Presumpscot River with printmaking. Called ‘Water Can Speak Through Us’ and led by teaching artist Cat LaBarre, students learned block printing techniques to create fabric banners about the
Oak Street Studios Art Classes for Kids are Back!
We are delighted to announce that Oak Street Studios is back, and better than ever! Now under the umbrella of Side x Side, we will be offering the same great classes and vacation week and summer camps, in the very same location, now as part of the nonprofit Side x Side. > Check out our Winter
Fourth Graders’ Poems Come Alive with Art During Side x Side Program at East End Community School
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.
Side x Side Receives 2024 Rebel Blend Fund Grant from Coffee By Design
We are delighted to be the recipient of a 2024 Rebel Blend Fund grant from Coffee By Design for an arts-integrated program: Outside these Walls.The program will serve all fifth-grade students at Presumpscot Elementary while addressing the pressing need for equitable access to academic content and increased outdoor education in urban schools. > Read more at
Society Notebook: Side x Side infuses Maine classrooms with creativity
Portland Press Herald: https://www.pressherald.com/2024/09/18/society-notebook-side-x-side-infuses-maine-classrooms-with-creativity/
Side x Side celebrates 10th anniversary with ART Deck-O, a rooftop party, and fundraiser
Bangor Daily News: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2024/08/27/bdn-maine/side-x-side-celebrates-10th-anniversary-with-art-deck-o-a-rooftop-party-and-fundraiser/
Side x Side Presents Hands-on Workshop at Maine DOE Summit
Side x Side was honored to be chosen as a presenter at the Maine Department of Education’s 2024 Summit: Supporting the Whole Student & School Community on August 8th. Executive Director Beth Wilbur Van Mierlo, staff member Meghan Scribner, and teaching artist Jill Osgood led a hands-on workshop called, Arts Integration: Literacy, Bookmaking and Birds. The
Project M.A.I.N.E. Culminates with Hands-On Summer Workshops in Arts Integration
We enjoyed an inspiring, art-filled week of Project M.A.I.N.E. summer workshops that kicked off at USM Gorham on June 24th, continued at the CMCA in Rockland June 26th and UMaine Orono on June 27th, before wrapping up at Monson Arts on June 28th. Thankful for the educators from Kittery to Presque Isle and everywhere in between,
History of Presumpscot River Comes to Life in Physical Theater Performance
Third graders at Lyseth Elementary School recently participated in a Side x Side program that integrated a science and social studies unit called Take Me to the River with physical theater. Students worked with Side x Side teaching artist Gretchen Berg over several sessions to create a physical theater performance showcasing their learning on the lifecycle of
Science Unit on Maine’s Estuary Ecosystems Come to Life Through Art and Performance
Third graders at Talbot elementary school participated in a Side x Side program that integrated a science unit on Maine’s estuary ecosystems with art. Led by teaching artist Posey (a.k.a. Pamela Moulton), students created masks of organisms from the estuary they chose to focus on. They then wove 6-foot-high eelgrass blades out of recycled materials,