While the overall design of the ECD program remains constant, the presentation varies according to the grade level. Four to five artist-teachers facilitate each class of students, so that there is one facilitator per six or seven students. The facilitators are sensitive to the special qualities of each class and to the individual needs of the students. 

The program runs from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The students arrive at the art centre by bus or public transit and are welcomed by the team of artist-teachers and are given an overview of the program. The teacher and parent-volunteers are invited to participate in the program. They enter the main gallery and view the art show on display. They circle up for orientation activities that engage the body and mind with the visual imagery in the gallery. 

They choose an artwork, sit down in front of it, and are guided through a focusing exercise that activates the imagination to engage with the colours, textures, shapes, and feelings. They go into the studio area and sit at desks supplied with cartridge paper and oil pastels. 

They are given prompts on how to begin a picture based on the images and feelings that emerged during the focusing exercise in the gallery. After about 30 minutes they turn their pictures over and write words, poems, or stories that tell about the pictures. They take their pictures back to the gallery and sit in small groups led by the facilitators. They discuss how they made their pictures and talk about the feelings, themes, shapes, colours, and designs. They read what they wrote on the backs of the picture. 

After lunch the artist-teachers show samples of their artwork and tell how they became artists, how they choose their themes, and the techniques and media they use. The students ask lots of questions.

Back in the studio the pictures from the morning have been placed on the floor and a fresh piece of paper on their desks. The students make a second picture inspired by their own picture. They return to their groups and compare and contrast the two pictures.

They discover that taking the process through two phases gives them increased confidence in making artwork from their own imagination and discussing images and feelings. They fill out feedback forms, are given popsicles, and prepare for departure. 

In-School Follow-Up Program

A team of artist-teachers show students how to turn their pictures and stories from the ECD program into short performance pieces. The program begins with exercises in expressive movement, vocal improvisation, and story-telling. Each group of four or five students selects one of their pictures as the theme for their performance. The groups develop and rehearse the pieces while the artist-teachers circulate and coach them. At the end of the day-long program the groups perform their pieces for the whole class. 

ECD Shows of Student Art

April 1 to 16, 2003. Classes from Hilltop Middle School, Humberwood Downs Junior Middle Academy, North Kipling Junior Middle School, Rosethorn Junior School, Second Street Junior School, Smithfield Middle School, Wellesworth Junior School. Neilson Park Creative Centre.

May 10 to 16, 2004. Classes from Humberwood Downs Junior Middle Academy, Rosethorn Junior School, St. Benedict Catholic School, St. Gregory Catholic School, St. Stephen Catholic School, Wellesworth Junior School. Neilson Park Creative Centre.

September 28 to November 2, 2006. Grade 5 students from Rosethorn Junior School. Arts Etobicoke Gallery, 4893A Dundas St. West, Toronto. Click on: The Rosethorn Show.

September 20 to November 1, 2007. Grade 5 students from Wellesworth Junior School. Arts Etobicoke Gallery. 

June 12, 2008. Nine classes of students, Grades 1 to 8. North Kipling Junior Middle School, 2 Rowntree Road, Etobicoke. The Gym.

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