To celebrate Black History Month, the Arts Council for Long Beach has created phase two of our Art Kits, generously sponsored by the Port of Long Beach.

In efforts to reach children at home to ensure arts education for students in Long Beach, Arts Council’s Eye on Design Artist Teacher Betty Rosen consulted with NASCO to provide quality art materials packaged safely to hand out during a pandemic. The kit contains a mosaic lesson plan inspired by mosaics and the Eye on Design curriculum. In phase one of the Art Kit Giveaway the Arts Council Partnered with Mayor’s Fund for Education, Whittier Elementary, Houghton Park, Creative Flow and A Future Super Hero to distribute the kits to local communities.

In phase two, the Arts Council has partnered with Habitat for Humanity,  Beach High School, and Long Beach Unified School District Leadership Academy for art kit distribution. Artist in Residence Frankie Greco said about the program, “Like music, visual art may echo what communities are experiencing, and I believe music can inspire great works of art. If you look at art as puzzles, artists simply have a creative way to solve them; which can be beneficial with critical thinking and problem resolving… so turn up the music and get to creating!” 

The artists have created curriculum in honor of many Black musicians who have contributed their talent and skills to the musical landscape of the United States. GRATITUDE, COURAGE and LOVE lessons are meant to engage our community, families, and students. They will include exploring music as inspiration by artists like Robert Johnson, Marvin Gaye, Salt -N-Peppa, and so many others. The first video is an Open Conversation and it is an introduction to Frankie Greco and his practice. It is available on YouTube at:  https://youtu.be/84hgn7zGEzg

 The community is encouraged to take a picture of their project and post with the hashtags #artslb and #kidskitslb and tag the Arts Council on Social Media.

“We gain so much from making art. Studies show that art making, journalling, drawing, and making or listening to music reduces stress and boosts our immune systems. More than ever, we need this valuable and fun activity. I’m thrilled the Art Council can provide this now,” states Betty Rosen. 

For more information visit: artslb.org 

Social Media: Instagram: @artslb, Facebook and Twitter @ArtsCouncil4LB

Additional Funders include: California Arts Council, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, Miller Foundation and Munzer Foundation.