Dowell MS Collaborative Paintings

Dowell MS, Mckinney, TX and Children’s ArtSchool, Kumertau, Russia

Nelli Helton, an art teacher from Dowell Middle School, McKinney, TX, was always interested in finding ways for her students to be exposed to global art. She has been sposoring an international art exchange program between Texas schools and a Russian school for 15 years.

Last summer she received a grant from Texas Art Education Association to realize a lesson that would allow students from across the globe to create artwork together.

“Through collaborative paintings students understand that art is a universal language, and that we can talk to people across the globe through art without learning another language. We can learn through the eyes of children about each other. We can learn about our cities, nature, houses, our holidays and traditions. Through creativity of children, we can understand that our cultures are unique, but our hopes and dreams are so similar.

My students, as well as Russian students, are always excited about the possibility of their artwork being displayed in another country. Being able to see the student work from another country and learn from each other is also a great opportunity for all the children. We can create artwork together. It has been a unique experience that stretches across the globe and connect us.”

For more information on this fabulous project, please click here.