Arts Clayton is proud to announce The ArtVan Program Bringing the Excitement of Art and Music to Children

Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java. Art has a very positive affect on children - helping to develop creativity and skills to become better students and ultimately more productive citizens. Art is like a "universal language" which successfully mixes all levels of abilities and cultural backgrounds for greater development of individual talents

ArtVan is available for special Festivals, Community and Cultural Events that promote children and families, schools and community life. Call for details and guidelines.

Banking on the Arts

Thanks in part to a generous grant from the Wachovia Foundation, the Arts Clayton ArtVan continues to deliver the message of Arts Clayton to the community. Since its debut in the Spring of2001, the ArtVan has been a true partner in education, using art and music to enhance reading skills, performance in school and ultimately job skills for children and teens in the community.

The ArtVan coordinator, Linda Kirchner, has educated thousands of kids from the ages of three to thirteen throughout the Clayton County School System, not to mention the hundreds more who visit the ArtVan at cultural festivals and events throughout the year. The ArtVan gladly makes appearances at schools, churches, libraries and numerous programs and communities throughout the South Metro area.

With the continuing support of community sponsors like the Wachovia Foundation, the ArtVan will continue its mission of reaching and educating children who otherwise may not have exposure to the arts.

From our mailbox:

.. .the focus to enhance reading and "life" through the arts has been a success. Our teaching staff noticed significant improvement in our children through creative approaches jump started by Arts Clayton. The activities truly focus on "read to succeed" and the children enjoy the art/music activities. The Art Van is an outstanding program and we wish you continued success. We fully support your program and look forward in continuing our partnership with Arts Clayton.

- Shirley J. Gordon, Director Head Start Program Clayton County Community Services

....the Art Van has come to my room 5 times this year. It has been great. Mrs. K is a great story reader. She asks very pertinent questions. The questions always incorporate the story elements as well as pinpoint key vocabulary. Fun, mobile activities are always planned My students really enjoy when the Art Van comes.

- Monte Huey Edmonds Elementary

Thank you for including E.J. Swint Elementary in the Art Van Program. The Art Van successfully exposes our students to areas of the arts that they might not have an opportunity to ever see. ...the Art Van helps to bridge the gap between disadvantaged students and more advantaged students. Comprehension skills are enhanced as well as speaking and listening skills through this type of enrichment activity.

- Ms. Toni Wilkerson, Literacy Coach Ms. Mary Irvin, Instructional Literacy Specialis E.J. Swint Elementary

Thank you for allowing us to participate in the Art Van Program. Mrs. Kirchner and her workers have provided some excellent opportunities for our students to reinforce language arts skills through this program. Research indicates such activities also promotes learning and increases short and long-term memory. I hope this program continues to grow. It is very worthwhile!

- Jill Ridenhour, 2003 Principal Alfretta A. Harper Elementary School

Schedule the ArtVan for your next program. Click here to download the ArtVan request form.

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