As summer flies by and the new school year quickly approaches, the museum is busy planning student programs and activities for 2025–26. This includes the Florence Koetters Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Fourth Grade Program.

This CPS collaboration has been thriving for five years! Starting in 2020, the museum has invited all fourth graders at CPS to participate in an art-looking and art-making program tailored to their grade level. The program focuses on the Cincinnati Wing, which is a unique part of the museum’s collection spotlighting Cincinnati history and artists. It ties in perfectly with the Ohio history unit covered in fourth-grade curriculum, making the field trip experience an ideal opportunity for this group of students by allowing them to make connections both in and out of the classroom.

During each museum visit, students go on a docent-guided tour for one hour, then meet with CAM staff to engage in an art-making activity that ties in principles and ideas discussed during the tour. In years past, we have focused on a variety of topics, including ceramics, landscapes, and portraits. This past school year, we focused on decorative arts, and students were tasked with enhancing a mirror by creating a decorative frame using foam clay.  Overall, students and teachers had a blast and created unique designs, highlighting the joy that decorative art can bring to everyday life!

The museum served 736 students among 16 schools this past year. For 2025–26, we hope to serve even more. If you know any CPS teachers, please spread the word and let them know about this opportunity—and help this program grow—by reaching out to the School Programs Coordinator, Alexa Ramirez ([email protected]), to sign up or for any additional information.