For the past several semesters, Donkey Mill teaching artists have taken part in the Artist in the Schools (AITS) residency program, a statewide initiative that brings the arts into public school classrooms. The program fosters meaningful collaboration between artists and teachers, integrating creative practices with core academic subjects to support student learning, critical thinking, and a deeper sense of place.
During Spring 2025, the AITS residency also marked an important milestone—the introduction of two new teaching artists, Lynn Roberts and Heather Ostrom, to the Donkey Mill ʻohana. With strong backgrounds in both art education and creative practice, Lynn and Heather participated as apprentices, observing and engaging directly through the AITS program with Gerald Lucena, Youth Program Coordinator. Their involvement allowed them to experience the power of place-based learning and the vital role of the teaching artist in shaping inclusive, meaningful, and creative experiences for youth.
Lynn and Heather continued their apprenticeship after AITS, taking on lead roles as Teaching Artists in the Donkey Mill’s Spring Art Experiences for ages 6–12. Each brought their own unique voice into the classroom, encouraging students to take creative risks, hone their drawing and watercolor skills, and deepen their understanding of aloha.
“A highlight was seeing students proudly share their watercolors of personal cultural experiences. Many had little figure drawing experience, so moving beyond stick figures was exciting for all of us. The apprenticeship was a great learning opportunity—I gained so much from my colleagues and our students. I’m excited to keep integrating Hawaiʻi-based arts into future teaching. The kids were amazing—curious, kind, and eager to learn.”
— Heather Ostrom
“The apprenticeship brought me back to the classroom, creating a safe space for keiki to express themselves through art. Students and teachers discovered new parts of themselves and how they connect to Hawaiʻi. Moving forward, I hope to keep nurturing each keiki’s unique gifts and support art integration across all subjects.”
— Lynn Roberts
Upon completing the Youth Education Apprenticeship, both Lynn and Heather have continued their work as dedicated teaching artists. Currently, Lynn is the lead Teaching Artist for the Mill’s five-week Summer Art Experience for ages 6–8. This fall, both Heather and Lynn will teach in-school programs at local elementary schools and return to lead the Fall and Spring Art Experiences at the Donkey Mill. Through sustained engagement, Lynn and Heather are helping to build a stronger foundation for the next generation of artists and thinkers, carrying forward the spirit of collaboration and creative learning that defines the Donkey Mill.