Field Trip Season Has Begun with ArtsBuild’s “Imagine!” Program

Chattanooga — The excitement is palpable as field trip season kicks off, thanks to ArtsBuild’s innovative “Imagine!” program. This initiative aims to bring arts education closer to elementary school children across Hamilton County by providing free field trips, complete with covered transportation. It’s an exciting time for both students and teachers, and here’s how you can get involved.

How It Works

ArtsBuild has collaborated with seven local organizations to create enriching artistic experiences for young students. Starting this school year, teachers can now sign up to take their students on these special outings:

Kindergarten

Creative Discovery Museum | Available Tuesdays-Thursdays, Sept. 3 through May 22 | Discover the ArtSpace, delve into STEM programming (focusing on energy, robotics, making, building, and testing), and explore early childhood learning. Contact Sheila Woody via email or call 423-648-6040.

First Grade

Chattanooga Theatre Centre | Select days from Dec. 10 through May 16 | Choose from productions by the company’s regular and youth theater groups, including “Willy Wonka,” “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs,” and “Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids.” Contact Justin Gass via email or call 423-654-7232.

Second Grade

Chattanooga Ballet | Dec. 11-13 | Enjoy a matinee showing of the holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker,” performed by the city’s only professional ballet company that strives to make art accessible and inspiring. Contact Aly Haugland via email or call 423-265-0617.

Third Grade

Chattanooga Symphony & Opera | Feb. 5 and Feb. 6 | Experience a special performance from the musical group that has brought classical music to the area since 1933. This event aims to inspire and engage through music education. Contact Candice Ortenzo via email or reserve online.

Fourth Grade

SoLit Theatre Express | Feb. 11 and Feb. 12 | Witness the Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga transform a children’s book into a play, complete with lesson plans to boost comprehension and creativity. Contact Chelsea Risley via email.

Fifth Grade

Hunter Museum of American Art + Sculpture Fields at Montague Park | September through May | Wander through the traveling and permanent collections at the Hunter Museum or tour the outdoor sculpture gardens at Montague Park, featuring international works. Contact Adera Causey of the Hunter Museum via email or contact Lynn Brown of Sculpture Fields via email or call 423-266-7288.

Teachers, don’t miss this opportunity! And for everyone else, if you know a teacher, make sure to spread the word.