Page at a Time

A Wolfsonian-FIU Exhibition

Hot topics engaged a group of 4th and 5th graders and were the basis for an exhibition of student-created books currently on view at The Wolfsonian-FIU in Miami Beach.

Through “Page at a Time,” an arts education program created in 1997 by The Wolfsonian in collaboration with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, different schools participate each year in classes jointly taught by classroom and art teachers in conjunction with Wolfsonian staff members and core teachers.

Participating students tour The Wolfsonian’s collection and take part in hands-on activities. Back in school, they work collaboratively to identify a conflict and develop a visual concept, addressing the subject, as well as to conceive the format for their book. Each student then creates his or her own page as part of the overall class project. From text to artwork, the books are entirely student-created, using a wide-range of formats and materials.

“During the program, students learn about specific topics such as history, visual arts and writing, as well as art books, museums and the inter-connections between these topics. Students then apply their new knowledge to a creative project,” said Kate Rawlinson, The Wolfsonian’s assistant director for education and public programs. “It’s fun for the students and invigorating for the educators.”

This year’s participating schools are Ada Merritt K-8 Center, Gertrude K Edelman-Sabal Palm Elementary, South Pointe Elementary, Southside Elementary, and Wesley Mathews Elementary.

“Page at a Time” – the book – is available as a print-on-demand catalog titled “Facing Conflict: 10 Years of Page at a Time.” The 70-page catalog documents the first 10 years of the program, including photographs of all books produced in that time and an in-depth look at five of the books. The catalog was produced through support from the Carnival Foundation.

The exhibition is on display in The Wolfsonian lobby through June 7, and admission is free.