UVA students and local kids connect through art at The Fralin

Arts & Culture

UVA students and local kids connect through art at The Fralin

Connection often comes from unexpected places. At the University of Virginia, one of those places is The Fralin Museum of Art.

The Fralin is known for its exhibitions, but once a week during the spring semester, its galleries become a space for both UVA students and elementary school students to experience, learn and engage with various works of art.

Third- to fifth-grade students who are members of Charlottesville Boys & Girls Clubs visit The Fralin and work with college mentors through The Fralin’s Early Visions Program.

The close-knit connection the program provides is central to its success.

Walker sitting on the stairs of The Fralin.

Walker, now a fourth-year student, says her first year was filled with involvement in various activities on Grounds, which led her to The Fralin. (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)

“A huge part of mentorship is social-emotional learning. Mentorship gives the kids the one-on-one interaction that they need to help build life skills,” said Ursula Bell, the Director of the Early Visions Program.

While the mentorship program is a favorite for mentees, college student mentors also look forward to the experience.

“Art is increasingly being removed from the K-12 curriculum, so being able to provide that opportunity is helpful,” said Helen Min, a researcher at the . “The mentorship portion is also critical. From my research in education psychology, I’ve learned that the presence of one caring adult in a child’s life can change the trajectory of their future. These mentors are a regular, consistent and caring presence in students’ lives.”

One of those mentors is fourth-year student Alexis Walker, who is studying economics and cognitive science in the College of Arts & Sciences. For her, the mentor program has been a chance to reconnect with something she’d forgotten.

“Field trips were the highlight of my elementary school experience,” Walker said. “The Fralin is centered around visitors’ experiences, thoughts and interactions. I fell in love with the process of getting students out of their shell, and it feels great to see that I’m worthy of their trust.”

Every week, students learn about different art exhibits and participate in hands-on activities. Along with it, they talk about their days and lessons tied to the artwork.

“Working with children really makes you think about what’s important,” Walker said. “I’m constantly worried about tests and all these extra things. Sitting with a 7-year-old and learning about them sitting with their friends and family really brings you back to what matters in life.”

Wide shot of Walker sitting on the steps of The Fralin with banners behind her.

Walker says one of her favorite parts of working with students at The Fralin is hearing their different perspectives and shared stories. (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)

This impact can be seen on both sides.

“The visual language of art is a powerful tool in helping to understand people,” Bell said. “This program is very important to these kids. They think the UVA students are the coolest people in the world.”

At the end of the semester, that world gets a little bigger. The Boys & Girls Club members’ own artwork is showcased in the Welcome Gallery at the New City Arts Initiative, located at the Charlottesville Downtown Mall.

“In life, you need skills that go beyond grades and test scores, like how to communicate with people effectively, how to express your emotions and how to work with other people in group projects,” Min said.

Through Early Visions, students are learning exactly that.