STORY TIME IN THE GALLERY
Summer | Fall 2018 | MartinArts 13
By Laura Daniel
Making strides to foster pre-school
literacy, early learning, and art appreciation
through the literary arts, the Arts Council, in
partnership with the PNC Bank’s ArtsAlive
Program, created Story Time in the Gallery, a
cultural program appropriate for children of all
ages. Launched in January 2018, this
monthly program is offered free to
families and school groups. Volunteer
readers from the community, often
donned in themed costumes, bring
to life wonderful adventures through
picture books.
The wide eyes of delighted
children sprawled out on rugs,
surrounded by artwork, take in the
visual splendor while listening to
stories read aloud. Children enjoy
the peaceful and creative atmosphere
while being exposed to various types
of art forms, both visual and literary, many for
the first time in their lives. This program was
designed not only to educate children through the
arts but also afford parents a brief reprieve from
daily activities while being immersed in a cultural
experience stimulating to both parent and child.
Over the summer months The Arts
Council welcomed summer camp visits and
during the school year caters both to school field
trips and stay-at-home parents. The Arts Council
gladly collaborates with other child centered
organizations on the Treasure Coast such as Florida
Arts and Dance Company who volunteer as readers
while sharing information on the classes and
services they provide. Through these partnerships,
The Arts Council fosters other organizations and
the role they play in the educational and cultural
climate of our community.
Research indicates that exposing
children to the arts at a young age is
intellectually and culturally beneficial
and the importance of early learning
literacy efforts is critical to future
academic success. This effort is highly
valued by our sponsor PNC Bank who
confirms “When there’s instruction
outside of the classroom that includes
fun, hands-on activities before the
age of 5, kids have a better chance of
learning - The Story Time in the Gallery
Program and other Arts Council
initiatives do just that,” said Cressman
Bronson, PNC regional president for
Story Time Princess
the southeast Florida market. “We appreciate and
support these programs because we know that a
child who enters kindergarten ready to learn is
more likely to experience more success in school
and life.”
If you are interested in scheduling a field
trip or are a part of a child centered organization
and would be interested in volunteering as a reader,
please contact Laura Daniel at 772-287-6676 ext. 6.