Paul Banks Elementary was fortunate to host former Homer resident Gail Baker, art maker, for a two-week artist in the school program last month. Connecting to this year’s outer space theme, she guided each of our 170 K-2 students through the creative process of building an alien/outer space explorer mask.

Children were able to create and explore with tempera and watercolor, model magic clay, several types of paper, and other three dimensional objects to create their own wearable space helmet. This project led to creative writing and acting projects back in the classrooms.

We appreciate the opportunity to bring new and exciting art activities into the classroom to supplement and enrich the year-long arts program in place at our school.  Creative revitalization is so critical to keeping our program fresh, engaging and inspiring.  Thank you to Bunnell Street Arts Center for their ongoing support of arts in our schools.  BSAC sponsors Artist in the Schools with support from the Alaska State Council on the Arts, Homer Foundation, Edgeware Productions, Jazzline, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and the Rasmuson Foundation.

Thank you also to the Paul Banks PTA and the community who supports our readathon and other school fundraisers, as these funds also support the Artist In Schools program at Paul Banks.