"Arts Integration is an approach to teaching in which students construct and demonstrate understanding through an art form. Students engage in a creative process which connects an art form and another subject area and meets evolving objectives in both." The Kennedy Center
Arts Integration uses the performing and visual arts to explore and teach academic subjects. From science to language arts, mathematics and social studies, this hands-on learning method engages children of all academic abilities. The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) supports integrated learning by offering specially trained Teaching Artists for residencies. The Teaching Artist Roster is a list of professional artists trained in arts integration, theories of learning, classroom management and the Maryland State Curriculum. Certified in Arts Integration and STEAM, Joanne's programs are endorsed by AHCMC, she is on their Teaching Artist Roster. Arts Integration Residency Grants support individual teaching artists trained in curriculum-based arts integration techniques who collaborate with a classroom teacher to develop an arts-integrated program for students during the school day. Programs must serve underserved students during the school year and during the school day in a public or non-public elementary, middle or high school located in Montgomery County. To view Joanne's programs on the roster, please click here.
Individualized Programs Programs can be tailored to meet your curriculum needs. This Residency "A Day in the Life of the Shelter" provided a unique opportunity for D.C. 5th graders to visit the Washington Animal Rescue League, learn about animals and their care, build self-esteem and create compelling photographs all during their school day.
"Fantastic program...students developed creative and critical thinking skills! They were given the opportunity to see the world in a new way." Elizabeth Leighton, MCPS Art Teacher
Photography, Nature, Art and the Ecosystemfor Elementary Schools Joanne Miller leads students through a process of discovery. While incorporating the visual language of art and use of a camera as a tool, students communicate their understanding of interdependent relationships in ecosystems. Young artists are guided though the basics of camera use, composition, observation of details and personal point-of-view.
This program is designed to bring the world of nature to the classroom and bring students outside to photograph the natural world. Creative models or mini ecosystems, provided by the artist, comprised of mammals, insects, plants and water elements are used to reinforce principles of the science and art curriculum. With up to 30 digital cameras provided, each student receives hands-on experience. Students create a final photographic collage demonstrating their understanding of the web of relationships within a habitat or ecosystem. Program and final projects and can be tailored for various grade levels.
Please contact Joanne directly to inquire about scheduling a residency.
"Joanne created a project that integrated the curriculum seamlessly...my students have benefited tremendously from working with her." James Torrence, MCPS High School Modern Urban World History Teacher
Photography, Land Use and the Community - High School Residency This residency offers students an opportunity to focus their lens on a social issue of our time - land use in our community. Class discussion highlights history and social context of environmental and human needs in their community. Emphasis is placed on environmental stewardship, artistic communication and personal vision. An invaluable experience for students to understand how humans have interacted with their environment to create neighborhoods and examine how change takes place over time and impacts their lives. Photography provides an opportunity to view their community with an artistic eye. With up to 30 digital camera's provided, learned photographic skills are then applied outdoors on school grounds. Students create a final matted photographic print, adding observations from their journals. This residency lends itself to collaborative opportunities with Social Studies, History and Art classes at many grade levels.
Meaningful opportunities for children require exposure to life experiences. In-depth summer programs offer young people unique opportunities to expand their skills and experiences through photography and nature.
Please contact Joanne directly to develop a program.
"Joanne's work has had a profound impact on not only the children at Brookland and Rock Creek, but also those of us who are blessed to see her work through them." Angela Bowen, President & CEO, Community Services Foundation
After-School Photography and Nature Programs Joanne Miller leads students on a photographic journey. Using nature as a backdrop, students explore the visual language of art and photography. Compelling photographs are created through understanding of light, color, line, composition, camera placement and personal vision. Hands-on instruction begins in the classroom. Learned photographic skills are then applied through exercises on school grounds. Digital cameras and student prints are provided.
Joanne was raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. The natural world was presented in the context of her backyard environment. Living on a houseboat for four years along the Potomac River provided a unique window into the interrelationships between nature and community. Joanne's lens was focused on the wildlife living on the edge of urban landscapes. Exposure to nature inspired her creative expression and shaped her life as a photographer and artist. Professional work with land trusts provided opportunities to document environmental base-line studies and broadened her perspective on conservation issues.
Direct experience offers a way
to find the vital connections to our world that we all need.
Children's experiences impact their lives. Photography offers a
creative opportunity to experience the wonder of nature through the eye
of a camera. As we master new skills and discover the simple beauty of
the outdoor world, a change takes place in our art and personal
expression. Joanne's programs focus on current environmental topics and
can be tailored for both children and adults. Programs integrate art
and science through interactive, engaging, hands-on creative learning.Additional program opportunities include documenting changes to the environment.
Relationship building reinforces understanding, compassion, and respect through positive engagement with community and nature. Joanne's programs provide opportunity for transfer of wisdom, knowledge and understanding between generations.
To discuss a Community Photography Program, please contact Joanne directly.
WHEATON ARTS & CULTURE
Exciting News: The Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County has awarded a Wheaton Arts and Cultural grant to Joanne Miller of PhotoKids to collaborate with GreenWheaton on a year-long series of Community Photography and Nature Programs.
Please join artist Joanne Miller, Green Wheaton and community partners on a creative journey as we photograph the nature in Wheaton. With the urban downtown Central Business District (CBD) as the backdrop, activities include artist walking tours, workshops, photography events, and community exhibitions. Share your photographs and participate in the creative dialogue as we explore the beauty of nature in our community backyard. All events are free and open to the public.
"Creative engagement is essential to health and well-being. Research proves it, experience verifies it, intuition affirms it. Without the arts, emotions remain locked inside, creating a ruckus to get out. Music, art, dance, theater, writing are reliable avenues that carry feelings to a meaningful destination, leaving bodies and minds at peace, able to heal. Nancy Morgan, Director, Arts and Humanities Program, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
To discuss a Photography Healing Arts Program, please contact Joanne directly.