On Saturday, October 17, the Museum joined many community partners to help build a new playground with KaBOOM! Plans for the playground, which was built for South Hampton K-8 School, have been in the works for several months. After writing a grant – written and submitted by South Hampton K-8’s Technology Instructor Vicki Hale, Pratt City Youth Development’s Ann Gray Harvey, and President of Pratt City Neighborhood Association Ellen Spencer – the project was discussed further over a series of meetings since June 2015.
While planning for the playground, South Hampton K-8 School “reached out to Toby Richards because of our more than 10 year partnership with the Birmingham Museum of Art,” explained South Hampton K-8’s Robin Green Anderson. “Toby’s artistic expertise, as well as her passion for art are just a few of the reasons we reached out to her specifically for this venture. Toby gives ‘heart’ work on any project; we consider her not only a partner, but family. We love Toby Richards!”
Toby, who directed the community art initiative, worked alongside volunteers and three other artists: Brighton K-8 art educator Pansy Nelson; Oxmoor Valley Elementary art educator April Dent; and retired Jefferson County art educator Janice Cook. For the project, Toby used 4 adult-sized picnic tables to create large, tabletop game boards. “These game boards were designed as a fun, yet educational model for students to collaborate and engage with one another, while enjoying different activities on their new playground,” says Toby.
To see the project below, scroll through our slideshow:
[gss=
The Museum was proud to work on this project with the following community partners:
Medical Properties Trust
KaBOOM!
Mayor Bell and the City of Birmingham
Birmingham City Schools and Superintendent Dr. Kelley Castlin-Gacutan
Ms. Sandra Brown, Birmingham City Schools District 9 School Board Member
Toby Richards, Birmingham Museum of Art
Pansy Nelson, Brighton K-8
April Dent, Oxmoor Valley Elementary
Janice Cook, retired Jefferson County art educator
Mr. Al, Holt Representative from Councilman Marcus Lundy’s Office, District 9 – Birmingham City Council
Ellen Spencer, Pratt City Neighborhood President
Ann Gray Harvey, Pratt City Youth Development
Coca-Cola
The Sign Geek
Black & White Photography
Steps Pediatrics
Kimberly Graham, Mary Kay Independent Consultant
Lowes, Graysville, AL
Bounce Town Party Rentals and Equipment
Pratt City Youth Development Volunteers
98.7 Kiss FM
Mrs. Minnie Booker, retired educator
Hands On Birmingham
Mt. Hebron Church
Bethel Baptist of Pratt City
Peace Baptist Church
Macedonia CME Church
William Edwards IV
Sam’s Club