Beach Museum Of Art Recognized For Elementary School Program

By Katherine Schlageck

KSU News Service

The U.S. Department of Education has recognized the collaborative efforts of Kansas State University’s Beach
Museum of Art and Ogden Elementary School. The department’s recent publication, "How the Arts Can
Enhance After-School Programs," cites Beach Museum-sponsored activities at the school’s Ogden Community
Learning Center as one of five exemplary programs in the nation.

The Ogden Community Learning Center was made possible through a "21st Century Community Learning
Center" grant from the Department of Education.

The collaboration between the museum and Ogden began several years ago. Each semester, Ogden students
have been invited to tour the museum and take part in an art project. The museum also has been providing
summer school activities.

"Emphasis has been placed on building self-esteem in the students, developing communication skills and
nurturing an appreciation for art," said Katherine Schlageck, education and public services supervisor at the
Beach Museum.

Last winter, the museum teamed up with Marlatt Elementary School, where Ogden sixth-graders attend school,
for the "Young Curators" after-school program which resulted in the museum exhibition, "Walking Through a
Weather Wonderland." The exhibition was prepared by 13 Marlatt sixth-graders, including several students from
Ogden, who chose the artwork, did the research work, wrote labels and planned the public programming for the
exhibition.

"These 13 students, now seventh-graders, are working as student mentors at Ogden Elementary School," said
Barb Tierney, the Ogden school’s principal.

"Walking Through a Weather Wonderland" was made possible with support from Ogden’s 21st Century
Community Learning Center grant, Intrust Bank, Kansas Arts Commission and Manhattan Broadcasting
Company.

The Beach Museum is continuing the tour program with Ogden this fall. The museum also is working with the
area’s other 21st Century Community Learning Center at Riley County Grade School on an "Arts-in-Education"
project, "The Prairie Through New Eyes," which is funded in part by a grant from the Kansas Arts Commission.