What's Happening at the Eliot School? We've Got You Covered!

What's Happening at the Eliot School? We've Got You Covered!

Whose Standard? Racial Equity in Craft and Design Part 1 & 2

Our two-part October event, “Whose Standards? Racial Equity in Craft & Design,” drew over 600 participants from around the globe–Hello, New Zealand! Recordings of both conversations  will be released this month on the Critical Craft Forum Podcast, available on iTunes. A big shout out to Partnerships Director Alison Croney Moses for spearheading the conversation and bringing such illustrious voices together.

Art Kit Adventures with Andrew and Jas 

When they are not working diligently to make our schoolhouse a better and safer work environment for all, Andrew and Jas are helping our School and Community Partnerships team assemble, pack and deliver 1,300 Art Kits. Thanks to the 99 supporters so far who have contributed $7,423 towards our goal of $10,000 to fully be able to ensure all of our students receive an Art Kit. Help us reach our goal! Support students and teachers by donating today. Help us send a kit to every student. Donate below. 

12/3 • Join us for the Showcase of InterGeneration 

Join our Artist in Residence Carolyn Shadid Lewis and Teen Bridge artists as they unveil their moving and beautiful video-in-progress, “InterGeneration.” Our teens recorded Boston elders and their own reflections, combining these with drawings, animation and poetic imagery. You won't want to miss this personal journey from the city’s colonial past to its complex present: Thursday, Dec 3, 7pm. RSVP here

Behind the Scenes of Teen Bridge 

Teen Bridge is underway with 15 art-passionate teens meeting on Saturdays for skill building and community building. Currently, they are working on independent collage projects on the topic of belonging. Ten teens participated in co-creating “InterGeneration,” our AIR project. Make sure to RSVP for the unveiling of this remarkable video.

Angela Cooper Joins our Partnership Team

Help us welcome our first ever AmeriCorps member, Angela Cooper. She joins the School and Community Partnership team as a teaching assistant, virtually supporting art educator Abby Neale at Grew Elementary School. Angela has mentioned her excitement on teaching her students to crochet and watching them already start to grow as unique, creative artists. She's enthusiastic about helping distribute our Art Kits. 

Do you know about our 1676 Society? 

Our 1676 Society are recurring and monthly donors that have pledged to provide a dependable source of income that will help sustain the Eliot School well into the future. Click here to make an online contribution and set up your recurring gift. Your support would ensure we can provide lifelong learning in craftsmanship and creativity for all. 

Your generosity will allow children and adults to learn, make and grow!

Social Media Takeover with Art Teachers Abby & Jen! 

Our visual art educators Abby Neale (at Henry Grew Elementary and Lee Academy Pilot School) and Jen Turpin (at Boston Green Academy) took over Eliot School's social media in October to share a bit about what they do behind the scenes and the value Art Kits will bring to their specific students. Here are a few words from Abby and Jen....

Jen Turpin: 
"I want to give students permission to experiment with new mediums and help find their unique artistic voice. Having art materials will mean opening up opportunities for them to create in ways they have not before. It also means taking more time and care in our work because we can actually make decisions about what materials to use. When students are frustrated by lack of materials, they may rush, and not be as happy with their pieces because they envisioned color, or cut spaces, straight lines, or blends that they were able to do, not for lack of ability but for lack of tools. Inspiration can soar when you have the tools available to see your vision through."

Abby Neale:
"My young kids are so motivated to create art. They are so eager to show me projects they have made with cardboard boxes and anything else they can get their hands on. The art kits will send a message to our students that their creativity is important and that everyone deserves art access. These supplies will enable my kids to feel cared for during a really scary time in their lives."

Craft Fair: Open Call to Vendors 

Long-time Eliot School business supporter Jameson & Thompson announce their first annual Winter Market. They are seeking craft vendors to show locally sourced, handmade products in their large outdoor space near Green Street T station in Jamaica Plain each Sunday from Thanksgiving til Christmas. 8 to 10 vendors will be accepted for each week. Learn more here. 

And get ready to show up and purchase holiday gifts from our teachers! Eliot School artist faculty will be vending, Sundays 10am–2pm:
Nov 29 – Jesse Shaw Woodworking
Dec 6 – Zahirah Nur Truth & Abby Neale Mixed media, jewelry, painting and sundries
Dec 13 – Cristina Hajosy Jams, handmade books, marbled crafts
Dec 20 – Verónica Ramírez Martell Macrame, greeting cards

Boston Rental Relief Fund

We know that many artists and others are facing economic hardship as the Covid-19 continues. The City of Boston has dedicated $8 million in federal stimulus funds to help Boston residents at risk of losing their rental housing due to the pandemic. The funds will help income-eligible tenants in Boston who:

do not have access to expanded unemployment benefits, or

because of the nature of their jobs, the unemployment benefits they will receive represent a significant reduction in their actual income.

Learn more here.