Sometimes the emphasis is on folk tales. Other times, students may collect stories from family or community members. There are also opportunities to publish work that students have created. Stuart has worked to write musicals. Sometimes he works in collaboration with other artists.
Some residencies focus on local or state history.
Others focus on curricular themes. What is most important is that a residency reflects a school's interests, rather than being a cookie-cutter program superimposed by the artist. Stuart worked with 4th grade students in Door County to write songs based upon prominent local historical events and items, like cherry orchards and lighthouses. The kids then got to sing their songs for their families. Students also worked with the art teacher to make hand-made books of their stories.