BEYOND THE LESSON
About:
Beyond the Lesson invites schools to host the internationally acclaimed Beyond the Diagnosis art exhibit — a collection of portraits of children living with life-altering conditions.
​
Through the power of art, students see the beauty and individuality of each child — not defined by their condition, but celebrated for who they are. The exhibit opens hearts, sparks reflection, and encourages students to think more deeply about compassion, diversity, and belonging.
​
Recent advances in neuroscience — including the work of Jean-Pierre Changeux and Semir Zeki — have deepened our understanding of how profoundly art affects us. Medical imaging now shows that when we engage with art, two powerful parts of the brain light up at the same time: the limbic system and the cortex. In other words, art activates both emotion and intellect. This dual response is at the heart of Beyond the Diagnosis. When viewers encounter the portraits of children living with rare and life- altering conditions, they’re not just seeing an image — they’re experiencing a scientific and emotional connection. The artwork invites understanding, empathy, and curiosity all at once, allowing
people to learn through feeling as much as through thinking.
The School Experience:
Each host school will receive a traveling mini-exhibit of 15 beautifully reproduced portraits for display in a library, hallway, or gallery space.
During its visit, schools are encouraged to create their own events and learning moments around the exhibit, such as:
✨ Art shows or student portrait projects
✨ “Inclusion Day” assemblies or kindness weeks
✨ Writing, poetry, or storytelling inspired by the portraits
✨ Family or community nights celebrating empathy and creativity
No specific curriculum or materials are required — every school can make Beyond the Lesson their own.
Why Participate:
-
Builds empathy and inclusion across all grade levels.
-
Encourages creativity, kindness, and curiosity.
-
Creates opportunities for collaboration across art, science, and social studies.
-
Connects students to real children and families from around the world through art.
What Schools Receive:
Each participating school will receive a set of 15 lightweight reproductions from the Beyond the Diagnosis collection.
-
Easy to Display: The portraits can be hung in a variety of ways — from hallways and libraries to classrooms or gallery spaces. Adhesive strips, easels, or existing art rails can all be used — no special equipment required.
-
Portrait Tags with QR Codes: Each reproduction includes a tag featuring the child’s name, disease, artist, and a QR code that links to more information, allowing students, teachers, and families to explore the stories behind each portrait.
-
Media Coordination Support: Our team will help coordinate local media attention to highlight your school’s participation — celebrating your commitment to inclusion, kindness, and community engagement.
The exhibit is designed to fit any space and make setup simple, while creating a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Funding Options:
To make Beyond the Lesson accessible to schools of all sizes and budget levels, we provide two flexible funding pathways. Schools may choose the option that best fits their resources and community.
-
School Funded Program Fee:
-
Schools may choose to directly fund the $500 Beyond the Lesson program fee. Many schools choose this option as part of their arts, health, DEI, or enrichment budgets.
-
-
Community Sponsorship: ($250 x 2) ​
-
​If school funding is limited, Beyond the Lesson can be fully sponsored by a local businesses, hospitals, foundations, or community organizations. Schools may invite sponsors of their choosing, with a maximum of 2 sponsors.
-
Sponsors Receive: ​
-
​Their logo displayed on the materials accompanying the artwork
-
Mention on Beyond the Diagnosis social media
-
The opportunity to support education, arts, and children facing life-altering diseases
-
-
Encouraging community sponsorship strengthens local connections while ensuring that all students—regardless of school resources—can participate in this powerful learning experience.
-