Artwork can show history in a way that words sometimes fail.

For this reason, the Picturing America program through the National Endowment for the Humanities started providing copies of artwork to schools.

"They introduce students to American History," said NEHDeputy Director Thomas Lindsay. "It's not simply American artists, but specific events."

From the founding of the country to the civil rights era, it offers a perspective on American events through the eyes of artists. The works helps tarts conversations on the subject matter.

Schools across the country applied for grants to receive the artwork, and the artwork is now in 26,320 schools and libraries. In North Dakota, 75 schools received the artwork this fall, including 15 Bismarck Public Schools elementary schools, Century High School, Simle Middle School, St. Mary's Central High School and Dakota Adventist Academy.

"We gave as many awards for Picturing America as we have awarded in the last 10 years" through the NEH, Lindsay said.

The successful response generated a second application period that ends Oct. 31. Schools and libraries that did not apply for the first round of artwork are eligible and successful grant applicants will receive the artwork in the spring.

Lindsay spoke at Riverside Elementary School on Thursday, where first lady Laura Bush visited and talked about the program.

"A big part of its success was when the first lady and president launched it at the White House in February," Lindsay said.

The portfolio of laminated copies of art includes 40 pieces of artwork and there is a teacher's guide that goes along with the artwork. For more information about the program, visit http://picturingamerica.neh.gov.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@;bismarcktribune.com.)