ARTthread Work of Art Program

A 2009 study by James Catterall examined the link between arts learning and general academic success. The study found positive effects in college enrollment and grades, employment, volunteerism, and political participation for students who had attended "arts-rich" high schools, including higher rates of attaining associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees for low socio-economic status students and English Language Learners (Ruppert, Sikes, & Smyth, 2010).

How do high schools with limited resources increase their "arts-rich" options for students with disabilities?

The Work of Art (WOA) program (http://project10.artthread.org/) is an innovative technology and training program from Project 10 and ARTthread that combines creative expression, social networking, 21^st Century skill-building, school-based enterprise, and self-determination for transition-aged (14-22 years) students with disabilities. It fosters creative expression, teaches technology and graphics, builds community and connections, offers positive therapeutic activity to help counteract negative behavior, and leads to student empowerment and sense of accomplishment.

Work of Art consists of the ARTthread Interactive Online Gallery and a comprehensive training program that prepares teachers and staff to bring the Gallery and its benefits to transitioning students.

The ARTthread Interactive Online Gallery combines

Social networking with paintbrushes,
Art-to-art conversation,
A place to create and share art online,
Product Maker and online store,
Integrated small business model, and
Community-building through creative expression.

The Work of Art comprehensive training program includes

Train-the-Trainer curriculum,
Evidence-based design for research and program evaluation,
In-depth instruction on the Gallery and Product Maker,
Engaging your team of teachers, counselors, and support staff,
Making the Work of Art part of the daily experience for students, and
Promoting the Gallery and student stores to your community.

Classroom and art teachers, school administrators, counselors and behavioral specialists, school media coordinators, students, and family members who would like more information on the Work of Art program and the training program may access
http://project10.artthread.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64

The ArtThread Interactive Online Gallery can be accessed at http://project10.artthread.org/. Registration is required.

Reference

Ruppert, S., Sikes, M., & Smyth, L. (2010, March 9). Doing well and doing good by doing art. AEP Wire. Available at http://www.aep-arts.org/communications/wire.htm