Appreciating The Arts Through Thinking, Analyzing and Discussing
By Colleen Gundlach

Photo by Eileen Fitzgibbons

Exposure to the arts has always been a big part of life in Norfolk. Now, as a result of a unique collaboration between Botelle School and the Norfolk Library, the town’s children will have access to fun and learning at the same time.

Ann DeCerbo, coordinator of Botelle PTO’s cultural enrichment program, approached Norfolk Children’s Librarian Eileen Fitzgibbons with the concept of a shared platform of activities based on the premise that by having two events focusing on the same activity, it would enhance continuity between the school and the library.

“Our objective is to build cohesiveness,” says DeCerbo, “and gives the children an opportunity to tie it all together.” Fitzgibbons has been orchestrating a cultural program for children, called the Dragon’s Lair (formerly called the Corner Club), at the library for many years, and agreed that a collaboration would be beneficial to everyone involved. “In a small community like Norfolk,” she says, “it serves the town to coordinate special events as much as possible. I was very pleased when Ann approached me about connecting our programs. The after school activities are more enriching and educational when a workshop is included after the performance.”

One of the first projects the pair initiated was called Song, Dance and Possibilities. Singer and dancer Brian Gillie presented a history of dance through the ages to the Botelle children at the school. After school, the children who chose to do so went to the library to try their hands at the of dance through classes.

“The dual shows are an incentive to the performers,” says DeCerbo. “By being able to do two presentations in a day, it is more efficient, and the children get more exposure to the subject as well.” She goes on to explain that the cultural enrichment program aims to “hit all of the marks,” such as literature, art, song, dance, fitness, storytelling and wildlife.

This cultural enrichment program is under the financial auspices of the PTO, but DeCerbo stresses that the generosity of a grant from the Norfolk Children’s Foundation makes it possible.

“We are very blessed at our school,” she says, “both by the level of financial support, which has been wonderful, and also by the space in the Hall of Flags and other areas where we are able to accomplish this without considerable interruption to the school day.”

For example, one of the year’s most successful events was a full day program led by artist Sarah Haskell.  The program combined messages about artistic expression and community connection.

Students visited the Hall of Flags in small groups to make and dress clothes pin people and then took turns weaving on a large circular loom.  At the end of the day, the pieces were brought together to create huge mandala, a circular art piece designed to highlight the connection between the many peoples of the world.  “This kind of experience makes a huge impression on the kids,” DeCerbo says.  “They get a museum experience here at school and then they are able to discuss it with their classmates and come together as a whole.” Another time, the library hosted a Marionette Manipulation workshop in the Great Hall after the Tanglewood Puppets gave a performance at the school. “What a delight it was for the kids to watch these puppets on stage,” says Fitzgibbons, “and then have the opportunity to make a marionette walk, dance and show emotion. For me, the experience of watching the marionettes act and then to make them act and come alive in a child’s hands was rich to watch.”

DeCerbo agrees, “These programs give children a lot to connect with and reflect over. They learn to think, analyze and discuss as a community.”