Barberton Intermediate School Receives TeachArtsOhio Grant from Ohio Arts Council
Barberton Intermediate School students are telling the story of their place in Barberton History on the walls of our school this year! Barberton Intermediate School (BIS) has been awarded a TeachArtsOhio grant from Ohio Arts Council for the 2024-2025 school year, funding local artist Dara Harper to lead a mural project and community exhibition with art teacher MaryElizabeth Norman. The $26,250 grant, a portion of the historic $22,704,702 allocation of funds for the arts throughout Ohio*, brings teaching artists to schools and community organizations to craft high quality, immersive arts learning experiences for students and constituents.
With local teaching artist Dara Harper, all BIS students will share in the mural experience, telling the story of their place in Barberton history on the walls of the BIS building. Work on the mural is unfolding throughout the school year, allowing all students to share in the experience. An unveiling event is being planned for Spring.
Informing the mural are the stories and artifacts of the Barberton community. Anyone who wishes to share their family’s or their personal connections to Barberton are invited to contribute to the project. The BIS Art Department is collecting narratives and artifacts until February. Exhibits are planned for the Spring as part of the school district’s Tri Arts Festival, and the B Arts Show, at White Rabbit Galleries. Stories and artifacts for the exhibits can be dropped off or mailed to the school, Attn: MaryElizabeth Norman.
A true community endeavor, local businesses and organizations interested in participating have signed on to support the mural project as well. Wooster Brush has donated brushes, rollers, buckets and trays while Sherwin-Williams has partially funded the paint, and any additional supplies and tools for the project. The project also has strong district support, from student groups as well as administration.
Barberton Immediate School is asking for inspiration for our mural and spring exhibition:
Barberton stories and artifacts from anyone with something to share!!
Personal stories connecting Barberton to greater NE Ohio and beyond (Towpath, Ohio
& Erie Canal, Depot, railroads, manufacturers supplying global markets from Barberton)
**Mural project funded in part by a TeachArtsOhio grant from Ohio Arts Council, and generous donations from Wooster Brush and The Sherwin-Williams Company**