Through Your Eyes: My Neighborhood Program

Exploring Community Identity and Cultural Expression Through Neighborhood Collage and Reflective Writing

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
This immersive program blends artistic creation with cultural exploration. Participants will examine the legacy of Romare Bearden—discovering how his use of collage techniques and artistic storytelling captures a sense of place—and then apply these insights to create their own mixed-media neighborhood collages. The session encourages a deep dive into community identity by engaging participants in both visual art creation and reflective writing that ties personal observations to broader social contexts.

Program Objectives

Participants will:

• Create a Neighborhood Collage:
  Learn to craft a mixed-media collage that illustrates the unique elements of their neighborhood and evokes a strong sense of place.

• Explore Cultural and Artistic Context:
  Examine the background of Romare Bearden, discussing his artistic techniques and how his work reflects cultural identity and community history.

• Reflect and Articulate:
  Write a brief paragraph describing their neighborhood, highlighting its distinctive features and connecting these observations to current social concerns.

Logistics & Materials
All necessary materials will be provided, including:

• A variety of collage supplies (paper, fabric, found objects, scissors, glue)

• Art tools for mixed-media creation

• Reference images and brief biographical materials on Romare Bearden

• Templates and graphic organizers to guide reflective writing

The venue should accommodate both creative workspace and group discussion areas.

Booking & Contact Information
To schedule a session or inquire about further details, please contact:
[Your Contact Name or Organization's Representative]

Bonus Available
Participants will receive a downloadable guide featuring:

• Techniques for creating impactful neighborhood collages

• Additional insights into Romare Bearden’s work and artistic methods

• Tips for writing reflectively about community identity and social issues