Art Happens Here with John Lithgow

This one-hour special features actor John Lithgow going back to school to demonstrate the transformative power of arts education. He immerses himself with teachers and students to explore four arts disciplines: dance, ceramics, silk-screen printing and vocal jazz ensemble. The program celebrates how arts education nurtures and inspires the hearts and minds of students of all ages.

This one-hour special features actor John Lithgow going back to school to demonstrate the transformative power of arts education. He immerses himself with teachers and students to explore four arts disciplines: dance, ceramics, silk-screen printing and vocal jazz ensemble. The program celebrates how arts education nurtures and inspires the hearts and minds of students of all ages.

John Lithgow embarks on his exploration of arts education at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LASCHA), testing his vocal jazz skills with Patt Bass, or Ms. B. A group of disciplined students take him under their wing and show him one of Ms. B's greatest skills — turning students into encouraging teachers.

John Lithgow joins the La Cañada Flintridge Ceramics Program, under the guidance of youth ceramics teacher Azzah Abdus-Shakoor, who guides students through the art of clay-making and the lessons hiding in mistakes. Engaging with classmates, Lithgow discovers their individual ceramic journeys and the invaluable teachings beyond the clay.

John Lithgow attends a lesson at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, guided by instructor Anindo Marshall, to master an iconic movement and dance style created by Katherine Dunham. Exploring modern dance with Caribbean and African style, Marshall shares the Haitian origin and historical significance of the Dunham Walk. Partnering with Estrella, a DADA student, Lithgow learns to shimmy in new ways.

John Lithgow visits Self-Help Graphics in Boyle Heights to learn from printmaking instructor Dewey Tafoya and student Yolitztli Torres. Tafoya shares the organization’s rich history as a community art hub. Assigned to collaborate on a printmaking project, John and Yoli are inspired by the nearby Mariachi Plaza for an artivism project, merging art and activism.