MIAMI BEACH, FL (April 15, 2008)—Celebrate the artwork of elementary students participating in Artful Citizenship, an arts-integrated social studies and language arts curriculum developed by The Wolfsonian–FIU that provides students with the tools to be informed and engaged citizens as they explore the role art and design play in shaping the world. Commemorating the culmination of this year’s program, a student art exhibition will be on display April 17 through May 2nd, 2008 at The Wolfsonian and is free and open to the public.

Artful Citizenship has been implemented in third- through fifth grade classes at Wesley Mathews Elementary and in one fourth grade classroom at Sunset Elementary with generous funding from Citigroup Foundation.

Artful Citizenship moves beyond the standard school texts and delivers an empowering experience by using art to teach students about the world around them. As they look and talk about art in engaging and meaningful ways, they learn to "read" visual images, enhance their analytical skills, and improve their understanding of the role that images, messages, and symbols play in their daily lives. Using objects from The Wolfsonian’s collection, such as maps, paintings and propaganda posters, the curriculum helps students explore and develop characteristics of "good citizenship," including cooperation, tolerance, conflict resolution and active engagement with the community.

“Artful Citizenship is a very sophisticated program filled with enriching pictures for students to discuss. From wonderful paintings, photographs and sculptures, discussions emerge that would never come about in the classroom. I think this program touches upon all the senses making it a heartfelt, emotional experience for not only the kids and teacher, but also for anyone watching. I love it and hope I can continue using it for years to come,” said Patricia Ozon, third grade instructor at Wesley Mathews Elementary.

About The Wolfsonian–Florida International University
The Wolfsonian–FIU is a museum and research center that uses objects to illustrate the persuasive power of art and design to explore what it means to be modern, and to tell the story of social, political, and technological changes that have transformed the world. The approximately 120,000 artifacts that comprise The Wolfsonian collection range from fine art, graphic design, and political propaganda to furniture, rare books, and ephemeral materials such as postcards and travel brochures. Since opening to the public just ten years ago, The Wolfsonian has developed and disseminated critically acclaimed exhibitions, publications, and educational programs that highlight the impact of design in shaping the modern world. Its vast patrimony of primary source materials provides unparalleled opportunities for scholarship and appreciation, making it a unique resource for local, national, and international audiences.

The Wolfsonian is located at 1001 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Fla. Admission is $7 adults; $5 seniors, students, and children six-12; free for Wolfsonian members, State University System of Florida staff and students with ID, children under six, and Miami Beach residents with ID. The museum is open Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday from noon-6pm; Thursday and Friday from noon-9pm; and is closed on Wednesday. Contact us at 305.531.1001 or visit us online at www.wolfsonian.org.

The Wolfsonian receives ongoing support from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts; Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council; Crispin Porter + Bogusky; Continental Airlines, the preferred airline of The Wolfsonian; the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation; and Pistils & Petals.

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