This fall, learners at the Innovative School engaged in a rich partnership with The Bass Museum, exploring how art connects to place, identity, and imagination. Beginning with a virtual visit to Ugo Rondinone’s Miami Mountain, learners reflected on how public art transforms community spaces, asking questions about balance, scale, and symbolism that showed the beginnings of critical analysis.
Inspired by this, they created mobiles, sculptures, and detailed observational studies of natural objects, discovering how “small things can hold big details.” Meanwhile, younger learners explored identity through mask-making, practicing sorting and shape recognition while expressing emotions through color and form. Sharing their work allowed them to reflect on choices and proudly communicate aspects of who they are.
The partnership expanded into invention and storytelling, as learners designed imaginative creatures with Model Magic and original constellations inspired by the night sky. These ideas evolved into collaborative stop-motion animation, blending art, technology, and teamwork while deepening narrative and symbolic thinking.
Across all projects, learners strengthened academic and social-emotional skills—from math and science connections to literacy, creativity, and collaboration. Above all, this partnership showed how art can serve as a powerful lens for understanding ourselves and our world. Collaborating with The Bass, one of Miami Beach’s celebrated cultural institutions, is so special for our school community, and we look forward to many more opportunities for growth and creativity together.
Learn more about partnerships with The Bass Museum: https://www.steamplusmiamibeach.org/home