Words and Images Arts 4 Learning
Paint Me a Poem by Nathan Richardson
THURSDAY, April 13, 2023
TCC Joint-Use Library
Virginia Beach, VA
2 PM – 3 PM
Description: Poet, author, and educator Nathan Richardson introduces students to “ekphrastic” poetry in
this workshop, using visual art, written and spoken word, and physicality to fully engage students in the
creative process. Students will craft poetry inspired by their favorite works, as Nathan guides them in
critically analyzing thoughts and concepts in art to share their interpretations. As he teaches techniques
used by spoken word artists such as gesture, inflection, and blocking, Nathan gets students on their feet
to practice presenting their poetry to others.
Speak Out for Tolerance! By Rainbow Puppet Productions
THURSDAY, April 13, 2023
MEO Central Library
Virginia Beach, VA
2 PM – 2:50 PM
This unique program supports anti-bullying and brings to life non-descriptive characters that offer a
generic look and identity. Using balloons as puppets, the Rainbow Puppets impact the audience with
general facial features and body language that eventually turn these puppets into characters. From this,
the audience and the characters learn to appreciate their individuality. Learning to communicate with
neighbors is a key point in the program, and students will learn to become part of the anti-bullying
solution.
Count and Color Magic by Harold Wood
SATURDAY, April 22, 2023
MEO Central Library
Virginia Beach, VA
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Harold Wood’s “colorful” program will leave your young audiences “pink” with delight. Early learners will
be entertained and amazed while strengthening reasoning and motor skills, and cognitive thinking.
Virginia’s early learning building blocks are reinforced through number sequence, letter recognition, color
identification, and language development. Furry “white” Buster Bunny is featured in the “red” hot finale.
Come Freedom, Come with Valerie Davis
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2023
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
Newport News, VA
11 AM – 11:50 AM
Hear the uniquely American story of Martha Ann Fields, an enslaved cook and one of Virginia's unsung
heroes. Celebrated storyteller and actor, Valerie Davis, captures the physical, historical, and spiritual
essence of this former enslaved woman from the Nutshell Plantation in Hanover County as she reveals
this true story of love, longing, faith, betrayal, and courage.
Meet the character, Martha Anna Fields, during a Q&A after the program. This program is great for all
ages! A special thanks to the Arts for Learning Virginia and the Virginia African American Cultural Center
for this performance.
All Greek to Me by Darci Tucker
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2023
Portsmouth Public Library
Portsmouth, VA
11 AM – 12 PM
Your students will assist Darci Tucker as she tells several of Aesop’s timeless fables, and students will
act out the tale of Persephone’s descent into the Underworld and back. Older students will examine the
stories from multiple perspectives.
To the Zoo by Cindy and Shelly
FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023
Portsmouth Public Library
Portsmouth, VA
11 AM – 12 PM
This program, created in partnership with the Virginia Zoo, explores the animals you will learn about in
their natural habitats. Animals are dependent on their environment and these artists introduce songs to
help students understand why this is so important. Primates, giraffes, and elephants are only a few of the
animals your students will come to know. Students will understand the wildlife classification system and
so much more.
It’s Easy to be Green by Cindy and Shelly
SATURDAY, April 22, 2023
The Zeiders American Dream Theater
Virginia Beach, VA
11 AM – 4 PM
Learn from folk song duo Cindy and Shelly in this earth friendly, environmental awareness program that
teaches students about habitats, environments, biology, recycling, and conservation. The interactive
program includes original tunes like “It Really isn’t Garbage,” “Bebop,” and “Someone’s Gonna Use it
After You.” Children and teachers will enjoy this fun program celebrating our planet.
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