The Artists Building Community (ABC) Fellowship pairs an Arts for Learning Teaching Artist, a lead teacher (K-12 Educator), and an Arts for Learning staff member in a 3-year deep dive into the culture of a school community. This residency is an inquiry-based, people-centered approach that empowers Teaching Artists to build partnerships in their community.
The ABC Fellowship at Brookside Elementary School, with Teaching Artist Jodi Krumel, recently concluded, but has been forever defined by one impactful element: the relationships she’s built with her students.
Jodi’s fellowship is a testament to the power of art and connection to transform schools into thriving communities. Through her dedication, the students at Brookside Elementary have gained not only a creative space but a lasting relationship with a Teaching Artist dedicated to inspiring creativity.
Here’s what Jodi has to say about the residency:
Looking back, what moment or memory best captures the heart of your ABC Fellowship experience?
The best and lasting part of my fellowship was getting to build relationships with the students. I get many hugs, high fives, and “hey Miss Jodi” in the hallway. I’ve also run into a couple of students outside the school in my neighborhood or other programs that I teach. I love that the kids know I’m close by, live in their neighborhood too.
What lasting impact or legacy do you feel the ABC fellowship has created within the school community—whether for students, educators, or the culture of the school itself?
The Brook Nook will live beyond my fellowship, and that’s the best lasting impact. Teachers are able to access and use the space, and all students continue to have access to the space due to the ongoing Exploratory Clubs. As of now, there is funding for two more school years, and I’ll continue to raise funds to keep programming going, and be a fixture of the curriculum of the school.
Check out this video to learn more about Jodi’s ABC Fellowship.
Learn more about our Teaching Artists and Arts Programs!
