Arts Education Programs & Services for Educators

Artists-in-Schools › Anthony Gibbs

Artist's Narrative | Programs Available | Availability

Artist's Narrative

Anthony Gibbs is a teaching artist who has taught and presented many history programs and character impressions for students of all ages.  He has travelled around the region sharing dramatic historical stories in schools, libraries, museums, and other venues.  Anthony captures his audiences with spellbinding performances that will keep students on the edge of their seats.  He is a gifted storyteller and astute in his knowledge of historical content.  He engages the audience in his presentations with his commanding presence, historical knowledge, authentic props, and excellent oratorical skills.  Anthony loves history, and leaves his audiences with a greater respect and appreciation for the power of storytelling and the timeless messages we can learn from all of our history.

Availability

Upon request.

Programs Available

Fighting for Freedom: The Story of the United States Colored Troops (Grade levels 2 - 12)

The war between the North and the South steps out of the pages of your history book and into your classroom.  This program, centering on the African American contributions to the war, teaches the basics of the American conflict: who was involved, where the war took place, what was used in the war, and why the war started. Learn what made the United States Colored Troops different, and what they accomplished by fighting in the Civil War.  This visit from a Civil War soldier will enhance your curriculum with many visual aids that make history come alive for your students. Content will be geared for specific age groups.

Activity Options:

The Story of the United States Colored Troops

• Duration: 45-60 min.
• Fees: $200

The Promised Land: John Parker and the Underground Railroad (Grade levels K - 12)

Travel back in time and experience the important abolitionist movement and struggle for freedom within the Underground Railroad. Meet John Parker, ex-slave, inventor, entrepreneur, and conductor on the Underground Railroad.  Learn all about the songs, signs, and dangers of escaping the "wretched" institution of slavery.  John Parker will have audiences on the edge of their seats as he recalls his experiences helping hundreds of enslaved men, women, and children cross the Ohio River into a new life of freedom.

Activity Options:

John Parker and the Underground Railroad

• Duration: 45-60 min.
• Fees: $200

Courage in the Skies: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen (Grade levels 4 - 12)

This program chronicles the Tuskegee Airmen's participation in World War II. The presentaiton will cover general information on WWII and the unique struggles of the Tuskegee Airmen at home and overseas.  Their true stories of adventure and courage high above ground will have audiences flying high with excitement.  Their struggles, sacrifices, and determination on the ground will inspire all generations.  These men performed a tremendous service for their country and their comrades.  This program honors that service.

Activity Options:

The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen

• Duration: 45-60 min.
• Fees: $200

The Poet and His Song: The Life and Works of Paul Laurence Dunbar (Grade levels 4-12)

Meet Paul Dunbar, the first African American to reach international fame as a writer.  The acclaim of his poetry went far beyond U.S. shores, and he would be an inspiration for many writers of the generations after him, including many writers of the Harlem Renaissance period.  But living during a difficult time for African Americans, Dunbar would not have an easy life.  From the time he was born to his death at only 33 years of age, Dunbar faced many challenges, some of which he would never overcome.  Experience a face to face encounter with this famous literary figure as he brings his life and times to your classroom with a poetic touch!

Activity Options:

The Poet and His Song: The Life and Works of Paul Laurence Dunbar

• Duration: 45-60 min.
• Fees: $200

The History Connection (Grade levels K-6)

All Aboard The History Connection, where students become “Time Travelers” journeying to meet and connect with famous historical figures from America’s past.

“Time Travelers” learn exciting facts about a critical time in our nation’s history, engage in fun activities, gain appreciation for America’s past, and realize our nation’s potential for the future.

Sojourner Truth (Artists-in-Schools artist Annette Jefferson) and the African American Civil War Soldier, greet “Time Travelers” at action stations where firsthand stories of true-life joys, sorrows and tests of courage are shared.  Characters guide them step-by-step in completing creative, period-related projects such as “quilt” making and “'listing for the war.” 

Reproducible supplemental materials based on Ohio Academic Content Standards provided.

Activity Options:

The History Connection

• Duration: half day or full day
• Fees: $525/half day; $825/ full day

The Blue, the Grey and the Black– Vignettes of the Civil War from an African American perspective (Grade levels 6 – 12)

The Civil War and the events leading up to it gave black people, slave and free, north and south, new hope that their struggle for freedom was close to an end.  Sojourner Truth (Artists-in-Schools artist Annette Jefferson), the African American Civil War Soldier, Harriet Tubman, and others give their personal account of pre-, during and post-Civil War experiences.

Activity Options:

The Blue, the Grey and the Black

• Duration: 55 min.
• Fees: $525

Complete a request form online, or download a printable copy.

The gold star indicates this artist has participated in at least one professional development workshop concerning the alignment of their planned arts activities with state of Ohio content standards in arts and other academic subject areas.

Artists-in-Schools Homepage