Arts Residency

Arts residencies play an integral role in our academic year. They are a treasured tradition that support our school’s philosophy and dedication to the arts. During arts residencies, the students work side-by-side with the artist and become immersed in the art forms- from papier mache puppets to stained-glass windows to dance and theater- in order to experience the full artistic process. It is a full community effort as the faculty collaborates & supports the artist, students engage in the new art medium, and the final products are shared with parents at a culminating event or activity.

"Every different artist residency is always super unique and fun & every time I leave their classes I always have something new and cool that I learned about.” -5th grader

PCCS students and staff have been able to partner with some amazing artists across all mediums. The talented artists meet the students at their developmental levels with projects that bring excitement and engagement across the community of learners. The process further enhances our Habits of Mind work as students engage in taking responsible risks, respond with wonderment and awe, and think flexibly while using new materials and skills with the guest artist. The artists and staff make the experience an overwhelming success and parents show their commitment through fundraising, supply gathering, grant-writing, and participation in the culminating event.

Arts residencies have a long-standing tradition at PCCS and there are plans in place to ensure that they continue for years to come. The Arts Residency Committee consists of a team of parents and faculty who work to develop the plan for each residency, make connections with artists, ensure funding, and oversee the scheduling for the current year and the years ahead. The vision of the committee is to develop a three-year rotation with St. Olaf College, local artists, and an outside artist/group that will bring something new to the children.

Angie Ekern, PCCS Art teacher, states, “It is an honor to have the artists coming into our school. The children are able to explore and understand new mediums, learn new skills as artists and develop an appreciation for the art form. The staff work alongside the children, learning and exploring with them. The children see that we are all in this together. It's a wonderful and rich collaboration. The new skills we all learn become a part of our culture.”

Some of Our Past Art Residencies at PCCS

Chinese Culture Residency Artist: Gao Hong

http://www.chinesepipa.com/upcoming.html

Circus Residency - Perrin Boyd

http://circusyoga.org/perrin-boyd/

Indonesian Gamelon Residency Artist Joko Sutrisno

http://www.sumunar.org/book-residency

Singer/Songwriter Ken Lonnquist Storytelling and

Song Writing: “Wolf Tales”

http://www.kenland.com/#!residency/c8bp

Internal All-School Theme/Residency -Rainforest

Singer/Songwriter Larry Long “Honoring our Elders”