History of Integrated Art at Bank Street
by Maria Richa
Sixteen years ago I arrived at Bank Street School for Children as a full time art teacher for Middle and Upper School (Grades 1 – 8) armed with a strong belief in “art for arts sake.” I saw learning and exploring with art materials as a tool that provides personal time for children to reflect on their own daily experiences. I found that asking children questions about their own experiences and interests including; “If you could travel to school in any way, how would you do that?” stood as an excellent first grade motivation that also tapped into their imaginations. Offering students these kinds of motivations allowed them to use their imagination and their prior art experiences to construct meaning and expand their interest in the world.