Steam Explorers
Initiative dedicated to providing free STEAM programing to the underserved youth of Philadelphia.
ABOUT the program:
Here at Da Vinci Art Alliance, we understand the importance of free arts programming and its positive impact on our city. This is why in 2022, DVAA started a new program called STEAM Explorers, where we partner with local underfunded Public schools to teach their students about art and science in our galleries.
Photos above are from the Lewis Elkin visit to DVAA, April 2022.
Lewis Elkin Visits:
Many public schools in Philadelphia have already lost traditional in-house arts programming and rely on the services provided by outside partnering art institutions like Da Vinci Art Alliance. In 2022 we partnered with Lewis Elkin Elementary. Twice a year we have two 3rd grade classes from Lewis Elkins in Kensington come to the gallery to learn about our exhibitions, play in Palumbo park, and make art. When possible, We invite the artists concurrently exhibiting at DVAA to teach the students about art-making. In October of 2022, Mike Smaczylo (2022 DVAA Kathryn Pennepacker fellow) taught our STEAM Explorers the process of screen printing, while Alessandra Stradella led the students in a painting lesson.
Derby Day:
Each summer, DVAA employs artists to lead a Derby Program at two community centers in Philadelphia run by Caring People Alliance. Throughout the run of the program, students will learn scientific principles, engineering and aesthetic design by guiding them through designing, building, embellishing, and racing minature cars. This hands on STEAM education takes them through the entire design process from initial design concept, experimental modification and final competition, leaving them with a sense of pride and tangible creative and scientific skills.
Support the Steam explorers initiative:
We love working with students, and have plans of expanding this program to help more students next year, but need your help! Consider donating to help us sustain STEAM Explorers, and continue Building Community Through Art.
The STEAM explorers program wouldn’t be possible without all of the volunteers who help us manage the over 100 kids that come to visit the gallery, an exploratory project grand awarded to us from the Pincus Foundation, our partnership with Caring People Alliance, and all of the support from our donors this year.