Honeywell Arts In Education: Framing the Future

Through art and guided discussion, students explore ideas and find their voice.

In classrooms across Northern Indiana, three simple questions, “What’s going on in this picture?”, “What do you see that makes you say that?”, and “What more can you find?” are sparking something extraordinary. Students lean forward, eyes tracing every detail of an image, hands raised to share their ideas. There are no wrong answers, only opportunities to look closer, think deeper, and explain what they see.

This is Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), one of Honeywell Arts In Education’s most impactful programs. Designed to nurture critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence, VTS uses visual art to spark discussion and guide students in developing their reasoning skills. Once a month, a Honeywell trained facilitator visits classrooms (grades 3-5), guiding students through open-ended questions and encouraging them to back their ideas with evidence. Each session concludes with a writing exercise, building language skills alongside analytical ones.

The results speak volumes. In the 2024-25 school year, 93% of teachers reported that VTS had a “tremendous” or “substantial” impact on student thinking and learning. Educators consistently see students, especially those who may struggle in traditional settings, begin to find their voice.

VTS currently serves every elementary school in Wabash County, reaching 46 local classrooms and 116 in neighboring counties, totaling 162 classrooms across 21 schools in five counties.

Honeywell recently expanded this impactful program to serve Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS), growing from a pilot in seven third-grade classrooms at two schools in the 2022-23 school year, to 57 third and fourth-grade classrooms in 2024-25, and 79 third, fourth, and fifth-grade classrooms across nine schools in 2025-26. This expansion is supported through funding secured from Foundations and individuals from Allen County. As additional funding is secured, expansion to more schools across the region is possible, ensuring that more students have access to this transformative educational experience.

“I’ve seen tremendous improvement in my students’ critical thinking, providing evidence, and communicating ideas. We’ve seen the process and skills used in VTS in Social Studies, Math, and Reading. This program has made a huge difference for my students, especially the quiet ones and the English Language Learners,” said Mrs. Conner, Harrison Hill Elementary School Teacher.

Third-grade teacher Mrs. Wells of OJ Neighbours Elementary has witnessed a similar transformation: “VTS provides students with opportunities to practice their critical thinking skills, writing skills, and another chance to speak up and share their thoughts in a comfortable environment. I have definitely seen growth in my students in areas of communication and collaboration. VTS has provided great opportunities for my students to put these skills into practice.”

“At Honeywell, our priority is creating meaningful, high-quality education opportunities that reach every corner of our region,” says Kristi Unger, Director of Education at Honeywell Arts & Entertainment. “VTS helps students realize there is more than one way to see the world, an essential skill for lifelong learning and citizenship.”

In 2024-25, Honeywell Arts In Education provided more than 73,000 student interactions across 14 counties and 86 schools in Indiana through programs like VTS, Arts Integration, Teaching Artist Residencies, and more. Education programs are offered at no cost to the schools, removing barriers so that every child, regardless of background, has the chance to develop the critical skills that will shape their future. 

Honeywell Arts In Education is made possible thanks to generous donor and sponsor support, excelling the organization’s mission of arts, education, and entertainment for all.