Grants To Inspire ‘STEAM’ Learning at Bethlehem and Elm Grove Elementary Schools
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WHEELING - Two innovative art programs coming to Bethlehem and Elm Grove elementary schools seek to put the "A" into "STEAM" learning, and will also help to paint a picture for students about the importance of Wheeling's history.
The schools together have received two grants to enrich science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education through programs developed by art teacher Ellen Varlas Culler. She explained both projects will integrate art concepts with learning in other curriculum areas.
The first grant is a $10.000 grant from STEAM Power WV; and the second is a $7,500 grant from George E. Stifel Endowment.
"Art projects integrated with science and math concepts emphasize the essential tools youths will need to enter the workforce," Culler said. "The students will learn skills involving innovation, problem solving, critical creative thinking and teamwork," she said.
"When infused together, these tools will help build the minds of the creators, meaning makers and big picture thinkers of the future."
The first project, funded by the STEAM POWER WV grant, is an afterschool arts program that will take place during the 2024-2025 school year. It is in collaboration with Oglebay Institute, and its Towngate Theatre for Performing Arts and Stifel Fine Arts Center.
The program focuses on integrating visual art and theater through a STEAM initiative for fourth and fifth grade students, Culler explained.
Ten after school sessions are planned, and students will work on crafting a play about historical Wheeling citizens and landmarks of Wheeling. It will be entitled, "Spirits of Wheeling -- A Spooky Adventure Through Our Past."
"By fusing visual art and creative drama for the program, we will culminate in a play in which students will become the author, actors, filmmakers, and artists for costuming and set design," she said.
A handmade journaling book will be made by students for recording their 10-session journey through sketches and words. This will be led by West Liberty University art professor Jeffrey Grubbs, Culler said.
Cardboard and ceramic masks will be made as part of costuming, and displayed for a final art exhibit. Assisting the students will be Culler and Rick Morgan, director of the Stifel Fine Arts Center.
The drama/theater focus will be led by Tim Thompson, director of the Towngate Theater. Assisting with filming will be Mr. Brad Johnson of Stifel Center and Foley Design, along with Cheryl Williams of Ohio County Schools.
Students also will take place in zoom sessions done with working professionals in the fields of ceramics and film editing. Internationally known master artist Kimmy Cantrell will discuss with students his methods of ceramic masks making, and Netflix film/movie editor Brooke Griffin will discuss the job of a film editor.
The second project, funded by the George E. Stifel Endowment, focuses on the history of glass in Wheeling. It is set to happen during school hours this spring.
Fourth- and fifth-grade students first will travel to Oglebay Park's new glass museum. There they will get the opportunity to learn and experience the art of the glass making industry in Wheeling, and the important role Wheeling played in developing the glass industry during the late 1800's to early 1900's, according to Culler.
STEAM activities will be included within this project through glass blowing demonstrations and pottery making by students with glass infused.
Holly McCluskey, curator of glass at Oglebay Park, will give the students a guided tour of the museum. Glass blowing artist Bob Allen next will educate and demonstrate the skills of the dying art of glass blowing within his studio.
Students will move on to tour the mansion museum with Gerry Reilly, assistant director of museums. The trip will conclude with a scavenger hunt through the museums.
Phase two of the program will consist of a visit to the Stifel Center, where students will create a small piece of "glass-pottery." This technique involves a fusion of glass and clay. The finished piece will be a coaster which students will glaze then apply recycled glass from the prior glass blowing demonstration. Students will learn about the process from master glass artist Dale Chilhuly.
There will be a visit by both schools to Wheeling's Historic Monument Place, now operated by The Shriners.
"The Shriners are happy to partner with the two schools for community outreach," Culler said. "Stepping into the hall where Lydia and Moses Shepherd once levied, entertained ... will bring Wheeling's rich history to life for students. Elm Grove Elementary School literally sits on part of the original cow pastures of the Boggs-Shepherd plantation."
She said she, Elm Grove Elementary School Principal Rick Dunlevy and Bethlehem Elementary School Principal Drew Villani are grateful to those providing the grants.
"I am excited to collaborate with the team we have sculpted through our partnership with Oglebay Institute," Culler said. "Each of us believes in the power of the arts to encourage creativity and expression, and build self-esteem in young people."
She said she typically teaches through integration of art with other subjects.
"I'm always trying to integrate art into art projects - whether it's history, math or science," Culler continued. "And Wheeling is so rich in history that helped to develop the country. National road, the Ohio River, the railways ... all those components helped open the gateway west.
"Our history is so rich, and it is great to combine art with what kids are familiar with. It is essential to help kids make connections to art projects. Then they feel they have ownership of that project, and it means more to them."