Clark Art Hosts Free Evening For Educators

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — On Thursday, May 1, the Clark Art Institute hosts a free creative professional development event for educators from across the region. 
 
Participants will explore ways to strengthen their students' social and emotional learning through the arts. Evening for Educators is recommended for Pre-K through Grade 12 educators, including school counselors and administrators. Educators can earn professional development points through participation. The program runs from 5 pm to 8:15 pm.
 
The evening commences with a keynote address by Käthe Swaback, the Massachusetts Cultural Council's program officer for creative youth development and health. Swaback is a visual artist, art therapist, and arts administrator with an M.A. in expressive therapy.
 
A series of workshops, developed by local educators who are members of the Clark's new Teacher Advisory Group, provide educators with inspiring methods to enliven social and emotional learning in the classroom. Participants can choose to attend two of the five workshops, which range from gallery engagement activities to hands-on art making and align with state standards.
 
The event begins in the Clark's auditorium, located in the Manton Research Center.
 
Program Details:
 
5 pm: Arrival and Check-in
 
5:15 pm: Keynote Address
Presented by Käthe Swaback, Massachusetts Cultural Council
 
5:55 pm: Complimentary Buffet Dinner
 
6:45- 8:15 pm: Workshop Series
 
Select two:
 
Artful Yoga
  • Engaging with Art to Build Self-Management and Relationship Skills
  • Exploring Empathy through Sculpture
  • Handmade Books as Self Portraits
  •  Art-Inspired Letter writing, Storytelling, and Empathy
Advance registration is strongly encouraged. To register, visit clarkart.edu/events or email Dana Schildkraut, School Specialist, at dschildkraut@clarkart.edu. The program, all supplies, and dinner are provided free of charge to all professional educators.

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St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School  in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.
 
"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."
 
Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.
 
"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."
 
Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.
 
"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."
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