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G2S Project Code: 2020-TX-85674
State: Texas
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM

Project Director
Director Name: Stacy Garcia
Director Phone: (817) 459-6792
Director Email: stacy.garcia@arlingtontx.gov
General Information
Title: Art is for Everyone
State Project Code: SPP-21003
Start Date: 09/01/2020
End Date: 08/31/2021
Abstract: From the Library:
Arlington Public Library’s project will include art classes in our makerspace for children and adults, artist exhibits, and a free non-juried exhibit. This project will strengthen the creative capacity of our community by allowing anyone to learn to express themselves through art, as well as contributing to the local artist community, giving them a place to display their work and to grow as professional artists.

From TSLAC:
All project goals were met according to library plan and within grant term.
State Goal: Goal 2: Access to resources and services to meet community and personal goals.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$28,695.63
$0.00
$0.00
$28,695.63
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Art Classes
Narrative: Arlington Public Library’s project provided art classes virtually and in-person in their makerspace for children and adults. Community artists submitted applications and were chosen by staff to teach classes in the makerspace on a monthly basis. A different art form was explored each month. All artist-requested supplies for the classes were purchased with grant funds. Additionally, chosen artists were permitted to exhibit their work in the library while they were instructing classes. 

Funding was also used to purchase supplies for a Create Hour program in which participants can explore different art forms on their own using supplies/materials provided by the library. 
 Five-hundred-seventy-two (572) individuals participated virtually or in person in 51 activities. of those, 190 participated in virtual or at-home programming.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Combined in-person & virtual


Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 60
Number of presentations/performances administered: 51
Average number in attendance per session: 9


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 101 E ABRAM ST
City: ARLINGTON
State: TX
Zip: 76010
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
From the Library: This program has built a steadfast following of participants; for example, staff began to recognize faces and names. Due to social distancing, we could only allow 10 in attendance for each class. Patrons told staff that they could not wait until the beginning of the month to register and were worried that they might not get in a class. Friendships have developed and many of them now go into the Makerspace at the library to attend other classes. Staff have been very fortunate to have been able to share these moments and experiences with the community and offer them something special. These classes gave patrons that outlet they needed and the unique art experiences.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
From the Library: Survey respondents commented that this program was the highlight of their week and one of the few activities they did outside of their home. The program helped them socialize again, almost serving as art therapy.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
From the Library: It was very important to keep everything as organized as possible since we were dealing with so many artists at one time. This project covered 9 months with 4 to 8 classes each month. Creating templates ahead of time for the surveys, marketing posters, sign-up sheets, and supply lists for each class was very helpful. Staff created a checklist for each month and each artist that included headshot, bio, class descriptions, supply list, purchase request, poster, etc. It helped keep track with what was needed for each artist since staff were working with multiple artists at one time. Be prepared to switch gears! Staff had to figure out how to make these classes social distancing friendly. The Library offered online options that included pre-recorded videos or live streaming. Whatever worked best for the artist. Some showed how they created their art in their studios and we had a few art discussions on Zoom. If some of the art projects were lengthy and they were learning techniques that could be continued on their own, purchase enough supplies so that participants can take the project home.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: art, makerspace