An exhibition has showcased the success an innovative program at Florence Nightingale Elementary is having at engaging students and teachers with the arts.

The Art and Discovery Studio open house displayed for parents the creations of students from all grades, much of it print work taught by artist in residence Maggie Milne Martens.

Milne Martens teamed up with teacher Colleen Mieczaniec to start the The Art and Discovery Studio program and they revamped the school's arts studio, creating a space where students and teachers can learn the fundamentals of art.

"The kids will come in and be really excited, but when they engage with the arts they slow down and focus," says Milne Martens. "This is the power of the arts."

The studio is a research project, with the school documenting the impact of providing a creative space and working with a long-term artist in residence teacher to enhance visual arts education.

Mieczaniec said the program was helping teachers professional development by making them more connected with the arts process.

The Art and Discovery Studio program is supported by The Betty Wellborn Artistic Legacies Fund, The Reggio Consortium Society and The Rennie Foundation.