Shift: Moving art classes into rural America

For the past 25 years academia has worked to create virtual and on-line classes. They have become mainstream and an expectation at each university. They want to keep education accessible for individuals unable to come to campus or that live in remote locations. Across the country universities have shrinking enrollment for their on-campus courses. The student that do come to campus learn differently than what most professors have been taught themselves. These students are passionate about the world and they want to impact their communities. The usual lecture or art demo may not be enough to prepare our students for the rapidly changing world. What if instructors changed their delivery method of instruction, leave the classroom/studio, and create curriculum that serve the communities in which they reside? Amy Schmierbach, professor of art at Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS, started teaching a social practice course in 2019. This course brings her art students off campus to make art with an underserved community, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By taking students out of the studio Schmierbach is able to teach her art students new art techniques, professional development, and community collaboration while addressing needs of the community. Her students learn other important skills that may be difficult to teach on campus, such as community building, activism, communication, empathy, and diversity. Community based teaching offers the students a purpose to stay on campus for their education, while enhancing community needs