Sue Allen Pico returned to Clinton on Monday, Aug 11 after presenting a workshop integrating the arts into Arkansas History for 200 teachers. The Arts & Science Center of Pine Bluff hosted the event. Several methods were demonstrated to bring history alive in the class room. During the presentation, the teachers participated in writing exercises, went through the process for performing literature and historical events, learned story drawing and that Arkansas animals can be drawn from any shape.
Incorporating academic subjects such as math, history, vocabulary, listening skills along with a good dose of fun into projects is Pico’s specialty. Her workshops range from basic cartooning, calligraphy, drama with young students, and poetry writing to art in math, and historical ventures into the Middle Ages and the Dakota Territories of the old West.
Teachers were happy about having a slice of history come alive. A Pine Bluff administrator said “Acting stories and history (social studies, AR history) is a GREAT way to differentiate instruction..”
W.J. Cheney said “This program gave me new ways to introduce Arkansas facts to my students. [My favorite part was] …the presenter’s enthusiasm for the different types of writing she did with us and how she tied each writing assignment to part of Arkansas history.”
“90% [of this workshop] will work with my classes. Sue was very passionate in her presentation.” said a Pine Bluff District teacher.
Pico is listed on the Artist in Education Roster of the Arkansas Arts Council. The Arkansas Arts Council under the Department of Arkansas Heritage provides funds to bring these and other art education workshops into area schools.
For more information about the program, contact Sue Pico at 501 745 2146 or sjpico@artelco.com or the Arkansas Arts Council web site at arkansasarts.com/programs/aie
