Beth Wilbur Van Mierlo (Executive Director), Annette Kraus(Director of Program

Development) and Dr. Kelly Hrenko (Partner in Project)

Mission Statement

Side x Side ignites academic excellence in education through comprehensive arts integration, bringing critical thinking, creativity, and innovation into the classroom through arts-based programs. Through community partnerships with the University of Southern Maine, the Portland Public School Department, and local artists, professionals, and colleges, we integrate science, technology, literacy, and the humanities with the arts to enhance school curricula.

Side x Side impacts schools and surrounding communities through four primary objectives:

• Strengthen student achievement through engaging hands-on projects.

• Facilitate teacher development and intern practicum.

• Build and stimulate cooperative and lasting partnerships among the arts, education, and professional communities.

• Present broad career paths to students through visiting experts.

Self-Portraits with Side x Side at Reiche Elementary School, Portland, ME.

PMA Family Days

Lights! Camera! Action!

Saturday March 28

11- 3 p.m.

Film: The Boy and the World

 

This March, the PMA partners with the Portland Children’s Film Festival for a movie-oriented Family Day. The PCFF was conceived and organized by the East End Community School parents and teachers who believe in the value of bringing the community together to create and celebrate film. ThePMA will honor children’s creativity through art and filmmaking on Saturday, March 28. This PMA Family Day includes a screening of The Boy and the World at 11a.m., and at 1p.m., a film-inspired art activity with the folks from Side x Side. Side x Side ignites academic excellence in education through comprehensive arts integration, bringing critical thinking, creativity, and innovation into the classroom through arts-based programs. Families  will enjoy making travel themed books and take a special tour of the PMA Youth Art Month Exhibition. 

10am-12:30 Family art project making thaumatropes in the Great Hall 

11am- Screening of The Boy and the World, in the Lower Ground Floor Auditorium
1pm-Tour of the Youth Art Month exhibition, meet in Lobby
1pm- 3pm Book-making activity with visiting artists from Side x Side