IPaintMyMind’s Unique Model That Provides One FREE Year of Arts Programming to Chicago Public Schools

If you’ve been working within the Chicago Public Schools system for a while, you know how tough it is to access the kinds of resources and programs that your students deserve. Especially when it comes to the arts, you probably feel like the last priority. At IPaintMyMind, we understand this unfortunate pattern. 

We know what it’s like to go to public schools where art teachers have to buy their materials out of pocket, and fund their programs largely on their own. We also understand how important it is for children to be exposed to art and art education as early as possible. An active engagement with art can be pivotal, catalytic, and foster community growth. 

Students at Dever Elementary study their Shared Walls™ gallery.

That’s why we offer one year of our Shared Walls™ program for FREE to all CPS schools. We are incredibly excited to be in the unique position to be able to offer this program free for an entire year. If you choose to have IPMM come back for a second year (we think you will!), then there are plenty of other avenues to consider for funding, such as grant money or fundraisers. 

What is Shared Walls™? 

It is a professional rotating art gallery for your school paired with a rad arts curriculum! IPMM will work with you to choose from more than 1,500 art pieces in our collection to hang on your walls for a whole school year. We work with over 50 artists specializing in a variety of mediums, and have a truly diverse body of contemporary art that’s sure to include the perfect art for your school. Brightening your hallways will make a difference in everyone’s school day, whether it be teachers or students! 

Kaitlyn Roberts helps hang Peterson School’s Shared Walls™ gallery.

Volunteer, Sayer La Galle, hangs an art work at Sandoval Elementary School.

When you are accepted into the program, our Community Outreach Team will be in touch, and get to know your school and unique community. They will set up a visit to settle on the most effective location for the Shared Walls™ installation, and discuss possible pieces with you. 

The IPMM Team will frame, transport, and hang your pieces in their year-long home, using our professional art handling knowledge to create a truly professional looking gallery. 

The Program Includes an Art Guide with Activities & More!

Along with your brand new art, IPMM will provide you with our Art Guide, a 20+ page booklet chock full of learning plans, online resources, and ideas for field trips and local art events. It includes a year-long art curriculum which aspires to use the Shared Walls™ art gallery as a jumping off point for students to make and display art of their own in a community art gallery. 

Students at LaSalle Elementary get messy in their printmaking workshop with Shared Walls™.

Students at Little Village Academy attend an artist workshop through Shared Walls™ with Molly Costello.

Schools participating in the Shared Walls™ program are in constant contact with our Program Managers, who are there to answer questions and provide further resources. Finally, we provide the option to schedule an artist workshop or talk with your students, as a further enrichment to the program. 

Shared Walls™ is a one-of-a-kind program that provides holistic access to art and art resources which you can use to take our structure even further. We value the work that you do as an educator, and we also understand how crucial familiarity with art can be. Transforming your school into an art gallery will be a valuable addition to the landscape of your school. We are thrilled to be able to offer a whole year of Shared Walls™ free. 

Take advantage of this fantastic resource and apply to be part of Shared Walls™ today via the links below:

Learn More About Shared Walls for Chicago Public Schools

Learn More About Shared Walls for Private and Suburban Schools