Community Arts Initiative

Kids explore the elements of creativity!

Over the past school year, approximately 140 children from the Museum’s ten Community Arts Initiative partners visited the MFA with artist Hilary Zelson to learn about six elements found in every work of art: line, shape, form, value, color, and texture.

Through "Elemental," the MFA's tenth Artist Project, Zelson sought to bring creative ideas back to basics, suggesting that art is easier to comprehend and to create if you have the tools to appreciate its fundamental elements. Groups explored fundamental elements of works of art, and then set out to create their own. “Elemental” is as much about the individual creations and artists as it is about collaboration, community, education, experience, difference, and harmony—and how they all come together to create a work of art.

Through the CAI, the Museum is proud to partner with Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester, United South End Settlements, West End House Boys and Girls Club of Allston-Brighton, Vine Street Community Center, and five of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston located in Blue Hill, Chelsea, Charlestown, South Boston, and Roxbury .

Learn more about the Community Arts Initiative.

Artwork created by Dhalia Christmas from the Chelsea Boys and Girls Club