Edgewood Elementary students graduate from Milwaukee Art Museum docent program; district highlights arts partnership

Edgewood Elementary’s art docent program and student presentations were showcased at the Oak Creek‑Franklin Joint School District board meeting May 19, highlighting a three‑year partnership with the Milwaukee Art Museum and in‑school art instruction.

Beth Kaufman, principal of Edgewood Elementary, introduced art teacher Mrs. Begada and the art docents. She said the museum partnership “fosters creativity and self expression in our students” and noted a recent graduation presentation at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Begada described the program’s curriculum and the museum docent volunteers who guide student visits. She said Edgewood’s students frequently visit the museum, study collections and develop visual literacy through writing, drawing and discussion.

Student docents spoke to the board about their projects. Third‑grader Rosie Whitman explained how her piece showed the senses and referenced pop‑art influences; Jonah Peek described learning about portraiture and creating three‑dimensional cardboard portraits; a fifth‑grade graduate read an excerpt about Roy Lichtenstein’s The Crying Girl and explained the pop art movement. Begada said that the district’s graduation pieces from the art docent presentations are on display in the children’s area of the district library through the end of the month.

Why it matters The program is a long‑standing partnership with the Milwaukee Art Museum that provides repeated museum visits, critical‑thinking practice and public‑speaking experience for students. Administrators thanked teachers and docents and acknowledged Begada’s years of service; the board recognized Begada’s upcoming final year.

Ending note Board members and parents were invited to take photos with the student docents; the district will return student works to the schools at the end of the month.