Written by: Isabella Elliott
As an art teacher, Gwen Dowling is always looking for ways to grow an interest in art for others. So when she saw a bunch of food boxes and book boxes, she thought, “Wow this would be such a good idea for an art box.”
She got the idea from the Little Libraries found around town, but instead of books she wants to put art supplies in them.
“It would be so fun for families to be walking on the trail and see the art box and grab a craft they could do together,” she said. “Art is so important for our kids. Art cultivates creativity, enhances problem solving skills, develops critical thinking, allows children to be expressive, and the list of benefits could go on and on.”
Dowling said her ultimate goal would be to hear stories of families getting some supplies from the art box and creating something together at home.
“Over the years, my middle school art club has done fundraisers selling handmade ornaments, t-shirts, wooden pumpkins and wooden Christmas present decor, and so we used our art club account to purchase the little library boxes and paint,” she said. “Along with myself, I have two students who are helping me with painting the art boxes: 7th grader Addie Buchanan and 8th grader Clara Zinser.”
She explained that the art box will be filled with various supplies like construction paper, glue, markers, crayons, stickers. She hopes to also find pre-packaged craft kits to include in the boxes as well.
Dowling said she will be advertising for an art supply drive and hopefully get a big stock pile that she can refill as needed.
For more information about the art boxes or to donate to the project, contact Dowling at gdowling@salemschools.us or call 812-883-3808.