In April 2009, Carle Foundation Hospital and Next Generation School established a partnership that enables our students to reach out to children at Carle Foundation Hospital and bring the arts into the hospital environment.
The school’s involvement at the hospital was initiated with a student art exhibit, which was displayed in the Family Waiting and Activity Area on the Pediatric floor. The original exhibit featured eight, framed landscape scenes and flower drawings, each by a Primary School student. One collaborative canvas created by Next Generation Middle School sixth graders was donated to the Carle Pediatric Unit. Since then, the Fine Arts Department has continued to rotate the artwork in the eight exhibit frames on a regular basis making the Next Generation art exhibit a permanent feature on the floor for patients and their families to enjoy.
Next Generation School expanded its relationship with Carle Foundation Hospital Pediatrics to include the “Healing Hearts Project.” Students perform a variety of solo and ensemble pieces for patients and their families at various times throughout the school year. The school also donates Pediatric Playroom art supplies purchased with funds raised through the school’s bake sales.
Each year, the students, the fine arts department, and the school community continue to collaborate on donation drives, fund raising, and other initiatives to benefit our nearly decade-long partnership.