Art, Music, and Wellness

Pictured: Fern Hill students learning Balinese music and dance from Balinese artists at Bucknell University (Spring 2023).

Regular workshops in art, weekly music instruction, and a vibrant wellness program are just some of the ways
Fern Hill stands out among its peers.

Various guest artists provide instruction

Art Workshops

Pictured: Fern Hill frequently partners with Bluebird Atelier in Lewisburg for on- and off-site workshops focusing on a variety of mediums including painting, sculpting, and weaving.

Specialized instruction in elementary art emphasizes the importance of process over product, allowing students to explore their creativity and develop fundamental skills. Through this approach, students are encouraged to engage in artistic expression without the pressure of creating a perfect final product. Instead, the emphasis is placed on the journey of exploration, experimentation, and discovery.

Lessons are designed to align with elementary art standards, incorporating various techniques, mediums, and concepts to foster students' artistic development. Each lesson provides opportunities for students to explore different artistic processes, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and collage-making, while also learning about elements of art and principles of design

Pictured: student art on display at the Exchange in Bloomsburg.

Specialized instruction in elementary art emphasizes the importance of process over product, allowing students to explore their creativity and develop fundamental skills. Through this approach, students are encouraged to engage in artistic expression without the pressure of creating a perfect final product. Instead, the emphasis is placed on the journey of exploration, By focusing on process over product, students are empowered to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences. This approach encourages creativity, self-expression, and problem-solving skills as students navigate the artistic process. Additionally, it promotes a growth mindset, where students understand that improvement and learning are ongoing processes rather than fixed outcomes.

Through the intentional focus on process over product, students not only develop their artistic skills but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for creativity and self-expression. They learn to embrace the joy of creating art while gaining confidence in their abilities as young artists.

Music Instruction

Instruction in elementary music is offered to all ages groups and, similar to our program in art, emphasizes the importance of process over product.

Students explore their creativity and develop a fundamental understanding of rhythm, melody, and form as they practice and prepare a variety of songs and instrumental pieces for two annual concerts. More importantly, students come to understand that music making is often a collaborative experience that requires patience, focus, and an awareness of what others are doing around you as you perform together.

In addition to regular instruction in music, Fern Hill students have enjoyed trips to musicals at the Bloomsburg Theatre and have participated in several workshops. The photo at the top shows Fern Hill students learning Balinese music and dance from Balinese artists at Bucknell University (Spring 2023).

Wellness Program

Body & Mind Connection class has three major themes.

  • Intention: choosing to cultivate your own awareness. 

  • Attention: feeling the present moment, noting sensations, and witnessing thoughts. 

  • Attitude: being kind, curious, and non-judgmental to ourselves and others. 

Within each theme we engage in interactive activities and open discussions. At the end of each class, students are encouraged to continue these conversations at home.