Dedham 8th Graders Explore at Mother Brook Arts

From Mother Brooks Arts: One hundred seventy-one 8th graders from Dedham Middle School visited Mother Brook Arts & Community Center Thursday on a field trip intended to introduce the students to artists, classes, opportunities and new art forms.

“We wanted them to come here and discover things they didn’t know yet – kinds of art that they may be attracted to,” said art teacher Sarah Dundulis, one of three art teachers who organized the trip. “Mother Brook is well-placed to give Dedham youth the opportunity to discover ideas and possibilities that they have not seen before, as well the opportunity to be mentored by artists who teach and have studios at Mother Brook.”

Students met with resident artists Percy Fortini-Wright, a graffiti-style artist; kitemaker Archie Stewart; painters Brian Taylor, Betsy Van Oot, and Angela Fiori; sculptor and Mother brook Executive Director Jean Ford Webb; quiltmaker Iris Sonnenschein; and silversmiths from the MetalMorphosis studio. They also toured the new ceramics studio, which is nearing completion.

“Different kids were attracted to different artists, but so many of them asked, ‘When can we come back here? When can we take classes?’ ” Dundulis said.

“We wanted them to know that this is a community space that is theirs too, that they can come back here and take classes and be part of this community of artists.”

The field trip was funded by a grant from the PTO.

“Mother Brook was proud to welcome the 8th grade, and we look forward to welcoming them back for classes and events as they develop as artists,” said Ford Webb.

Teachers Dundulis, Lauren Savoia and Arlene Tracey, in collaboration with Mother Brook, are currently seeking funding for a summer arts program at Mother Brook.

Programs being considered include an interactive story time with music, art and movement for ages 1-5; hip-hop breakdancing; and a middle- and high-school theater program incorporating a summer performance of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” by a Babson College theater troupe, and “Neighborhood Nights,” with retro outdoor games for families, paint nights, music, and food.

The intent of the summer program to attract “everybody from all parts of Dedham,” Dundulis said.

Photos courtesy of Mother Brook Arts & Community Center