BPSW Education program encompasses array of arts

Every fall, Lincoln students get the opportunity to work with visiting artists and creators during the artist residencies held by Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild.

This September, students have the opportunity to engage with poets, musicians and visual artists, and to contribute to pieces being developed by these artists.

"The sculpture park educational program is more than just visual arts," said Annette Gardner, who has been education chairperson for BPSW since 2014 and involved with the park since its beginnings in 2013.

"We've hosted several visiting musicians who work with Lincoln school children to compose original pieces. This fall Phil Auberg will build a musical piece using recordings children help make in the park. The composition will be completed by and presented next fall. Also, Montana's two poets laureate, Melissa Kwasny and Mandy Smoker Broaddus, will present an ekphrastic poem workshop to selected students on site," Gardner added.

Students are also getting to work with artist Beth Korth on the mural she is creating for the park, which will feature birds both imaginary and realistic, said Gardner.

"We also usually host a week-long summer program, collaborating with the school to create an educational program for elementary students," said Gardner. This program often includes elements of history, art, and science, she said.

Funding for the education program comes entirely through donations and grants, said Gardner, adding that collaborating with the school is helpful because funding from the school's 21st Century Grant contributes to the program for Lincoln students.

In addition to local students, schools from up to 80 miles away are invited to visit the park and engage with artists. Most schools within this region have been able to visit at least twice, said Gardner, and some as many as three times.

"Rural schools visit the park, learn about what sculpture, specifically environmental sculpture is, and tour the park to see the installations. Usually there is also an art activity to finish the day," said Gardner, noting that this may include creating a sculpture with found objects or weaving willows or fabric through branches.

Outside of engaging with students at the sculpture park, artists-in-residence and other creators usually host programs that are open to the public during the month as well.

"There is a strong education component to each of our fall residencies, predominantly with school children, although also for the general public. The public is invited to all the talks given by visiting artists," said Gardner.