Thinking Outside of the (Black) Box

MHS Visual Arts Department Chair Scott Brigante had a problem. A big one.

Last spring when scheduling his department’s courses, he noticed that he had 40 students signed up for the popular and rigorous AP Art History class. With the loss of a teacher in his department due to budget cuts, he only had the available staff (himself) to offer one section of the class. As the course was a considerable source of pride for Scott, he had seen the enrollment grow from 11 to 40 in two short years. Turning students away by limiting the enrollment was not a tenable option.

He was committed to teaching all 40 in one section…. But where to put them?

Scott quickly thought of the Black Box Theatre of the MMAS (Mansfield Music and Arts Society) on North Main Street. This intimate, 75-seat black box theatre has been serving the southeastern Massachusetts community for 18 years, and as Scott points out, “It’s absolutely perfect space for the nature of the AP Art History class, where we frequently lecture, show slides of great works of art, and provide multimedia presentations.” He also notes that the pace replicates many of the larger lecture-style classes that students may experience in college.

MMAS Executive Director Ken Butler was very quick to agree to allow the AP Art History class to use the space on a daily basis. “It was a simple decision, as this partnership is part of our mission to foster the arts within the community. It has been great to offer this opportunity as the kids have been great… and it has also broadened the horizons for people who didn’t even know we exist.”

Thus, since the start of the school year the period 1 class meets either at the start or end of the day depending on the week’s schedule rotation. All of the juniors and seniors in the class arrive or leave using their own transportation. Scott is quick to point that all of them have lived up to the level of responsibility and freedom that they have been given, as attendance and punctuality have been outstanding. This is understandable, as they are committed to the course. However, the off-site learning environment also provides a nice variety to their day.

The MMAS recent expanded its space to include the Morini Gallery (for emerging artists to display their work) and studio space for rehearsal and educational needs. This allows for the students to spread out should they need to, particularly if they are conducting project work. For example, last month the students constructed models of classic Greek temples as they were studying the Ionic and Doric order of architecture. The additional space was invaluable for this purpose.

The non-profit MMAS also owns an undeveloped 10-acre parcel of land along Rt. 140. The AP students have also used that space to create some great photographs in a natural setting.

The bottom line is that this has been a great partnership for both MHS and MMAS. I see it as a win-win for the arts in our community. Kudos to Scott and Ken for thinking outside of the box. Let’s keep this going!

Above: AP Art History teacher Scott Brigante conferences with Ashley Upham and Amy Sterling in the Black Box Theatre.

Above: In the MMAS studio space AP Art History students Josh Marohn, Julia Ready, Megan Alksninis, and Jess Visconte create henna tattoos as part of their learning about Hindu culture.