ABOUT
Eye on Design is a 15 week public art education program that encourages civic involvement, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving through a customized residency program. Eye on Design guides students through the same process a public artist follows to develop a public art concept and seek an art commission. By the end of the 15 weeks, students have studied various forms of public art, researched their surrounding neighborhood and created a public art piece for their school. Eye on Design’s interdisciplinary approach incorporates language arts, history/social science and the visual arts. Students apply their learning to solve “real- life” problems and must actively utilize art theory, reading, writing, speaking, and math skills through the work they do. Eye on Design is a substantive and intricate program that empowers students to create positive change in their own community.
Eye on Design is an in-school public art education program for middle school students attending the Long Beach Unified School District’s Leadership Academies.
Stephens Middle School
COMMUNITY PARTNER
Although facilitated by the Arts Council for Long Beach, the program’s success is grounded in the collective expertise and commitment of a host of hand-selected community partners. These partners work collaboratively with the Arts Council to present a balanced program built on each partners’ strengths. Over the past few years Eye on Design has partnered with some truly remarkable Long Beach organizations to provide students with a valuable and rewarding educational experience. Eye on Design community partners include: Rancho Los Cerritos, Long Beach Airport, Long Beach Transit, Port of Long Beach, University Art Museum, Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Museum of Art.
TEACHING ARTIST
Betty Rosen
Betty Rosen has been the lead teaching artist for Eye on Design for a decade. She is a professional mosaic artist and community builder and her superpowers are play, advocacy, and compassion. She is thrilled to be able to return to the classroom with the Eye on Design program after 2 years.
ASSOCIATE TEACHING ARTIST
Daniel Villa
Daniel Villa, Artist, and Social Entrepreneur studied American Studies & Ethnicity and Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Southern California to find equitable solutions. Passionate about arts, empowerment, and community, he dedicates his career to supporting others in expressing their creativity and making a positive impact.
Eye on Design 2021 Program
Eye on Design is a sequential, hands-on program that teaches the basics of visual arts, including color theory, perspective, and composition, through the lens of public art.
Program Sponsors
Eye on Design is made possible through the generous support of all our sponsors.
