The MAG-RCSD Expanded Learning Collaboration is a multi-visit program that welcomes students in Grades 2–4 from partner schools. Students come to MAG once a week for a ninety-minute visit for four consecutive weeks, each year, for three years. With our exceptional trained program staff, students explore and discuss artworks in the museum and then create their own artwork in the Creative Workshop, MAG’s art school for all ages. MAG arranges transportation to and from the museum, purchases high-quality art supplies, and designs meaningful and exciting lesson plans—all at no cost to our partner schools.
The lesson plans support school curriculum areas such as science, social studies, and English language arts, as well as address social and emotional aspects of learning like self and social awareness, taking turns, and the importance of recognizing diverse points of view and interpretations. ELC participants gain language, skills, and tools to empower them to respond to art in a way that enhances their classroom learning and expands their world view.
Studies have shown that through exposure to the arts, students demonstrate stronger critical thinking skills, display higher levels of social understanding, exhibit greater historical empathy, and develop an interest in cultural institutions. The benefits are significantly greater for students from historically marginalized populations. As Rochester’s community museum, we are proud that the ELC program supports these outcomes.
The MAG-RCSD Expanded Learning Collaboration is sponsored by the William and Sheila Konar Foundation, M&T Bank, an anonymous donor, and the estate of Rosemary Christoff Dolan. Funding is also provided by the Guido and Ellen Palma Foundation, the Wan Jou Family Foundation in memory of Shi-Ling C. Hsiang, and Deborah Goldman.
Additional support for School Programs is provided by the John C. and Elsa L. Beach and Eileen M. Sullivan Education Endowment, the Elizabeth Brayer Family Endowment, the Emma Jane Drury Education Fund, the Education Endowment Fund, the Patricia S. Fishman Educational Endowment, the Joanna M. and Michael R. Grosodonia Fund, the Frank Grosso and Diane Holahan Grosso Fund, the Mary Sue Jack Endowed Fund, the Memorial Art Gallery Community Access Endowment, the Joan B. Morgan Education Fund, and the Josephine Tota Endowment.
The McPherson Director of Academic Programs is partially endowed by an anonymous donor and supported by the Joan Feinbloom School Programming Fund. Support for the Estelle B. Goldman Museum Educators is provided by the Estate of Estelle B. Goldman.
