The Fairfield County Community Foundation recently awarded The Aldrich a $5,000 grant for its Common Ground pilot program, which will bring professional artists into classrooms in Ridgefield, Norwalk and Bridgeport.
Common Ground will launch in the 2014-15 school year. Artists will lead students in analysis, reflection, problem solving, creativity and critical thinking through a series of week-long residency programs at three schools with varied socio-economic demographics.
The schools include the Side-by-Side elementary charter school in Norwalk; Classical Studies Academy in Bridgeport, grades kindergarten through seven; and Scotts Ridge Middle School in Ridgefield.
Artist David Scanavino, a graduate of Yale University, will lead the first series of residencies. His most recent artwork is exhibited at the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts in St. Louis. As part of the Aldrich’s 50th anniversary exhibitions, Mr. Scanavino will create a site-specific floor installation and large-scale wall relief.
Tracy Moore, director of public programs and audience engagement at The Aldrich, said, “We are excited that FCCF funding will help to support The Aldrich invest in the youth of our community through this innovative collaboration with the inner-city schools in Norwalk and Bridgeport.”