Thelma Johnson Streat: My Future Job
Exploring Careers Through Art, Empowerment & the Legacy of Thelma Johnson Streat
🎨 Dream. Create. Aspire. 🎨
Program Length: 60 minutes
Audience: Schools, Museums, Community Centers, Wellness Programs, and Art Therapy Groups
Cost per classroom: $425 (includes all materials)
Travel Fee: An additional fee applies for locations beyond a 30-mile radius.
Program Can Serve: 25 participants
Program Overview
Thelma Johnson Streat: My Future Job is an engaging, interactive program that blends career exploration, self-empowerment, and artistic expression. Through the inspiring work of Thelma Johnson Streat, students will learn how art can be a tool for storytelling, activism, and envisioning the future.
Focusing on her powerful Medicine and Transportation Mural, students will explore how all careers contribute to society, from painters and educators to scientists and builders. Through a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lens, they will reflect on their unique strengths, build confidence in their aspirations, and create an artwork that represents their dream career.
By the end of the session, students will feel empowered to dream boldly, embrace their individuality, and recognize their potential to make a difference in the world.
Program Objectives
Participants will:
Learn About Thelma Johnson Streat – Discover her background, artistic style, and how she broke barriers in the art world.
Develop Self-Awareness & Confidence – Reflect on their unique interests, strengths, and career aspirations through guided discussion and creative expression.
Explore Community & Career Connections – Identify diverse professions and understand the impact of all jobs in shaping society.
Create an Empowering Career Portrait – Illustrate a career they aspire to, incorporating meaningful details that reflect their personal vision for the future.
Write & Reflect – Craft a short paragraph describing their composition, career choice, and the impact they hope to make.
Embrace Growth & Goal-Setting – Recognize that dreams evolve and that small steps today can shape their future success.
SEL & Empowerment Focus
Affirmation & Self-Belief
Students will explore their skills, passions, and future aspirations through interactive discussion, reinforcing that they are capable, creative, and important contributors to society.
Breaking Barriers & Representation
By learning about Thelma Johnson Streat’s trailblazing journey, students will see the power of representation, resilience, and using art as a tool for change.
Encouraging Leadership & Purpose
Students will reflect on the impact they want to make in the world, connecting their career aspirations to personal and community growth.
Letter to Future Me (Bonus Activity!)
Each student will write a short letter to their future self, capturing their dreams and affirming their ability to achieve anything they set their mind to.
Logistics & Materials
All materials are included:
📚 Books on Thelma Johnson Streat
📝 Drawing paper, pencils, and markers
🎨 Reflection worksheets for goal-setting
🖼️ Visual examples of career-inspired art
(The venue should provide table space for participants to work on their compositions.)
Booking & Contact Information
To schedule a session or inquire about further details, please contact:
📩 Meredith Arcari Luciano
Bonus Resources Available!
📥 Downloadable Career Exploration Worksheet – Extend learning with an additional resource that encourages students to continue reflecting on their dreams and career paths.
🎓 Certificate of Participation – Celebrate students’ creativity and future aspirations with a printed or digital certificate at the end of the program.
