Summer Academic Enrichment Eligible Programs

Goals

Goal 1: Students learn about an artistic, cultural practice. Objective 1: Students receive a period of instruction from a professional teaching artist. Objective 2: Students are taught how to use art materials in a specific application, such as an art project. Objective 3: Students make connections between the origins of artistic practices and the present day. To achieve these objectives and goal, WBCA will: ensure teaching artists have a professional level of proficiency in their craft, understand the expectations of what will be covered in class, and actively support the students through both classroom instruction and individualized attention. Goal 2: Students demonstrate growth in confidence and self-expression Objective 1: Students take an active role in creating a work of art. Objective 2: Students apply ideas from their interests and experiences in class. Objective 3: Students practice communicating about their work and can explain what they have created. To achieve these objectives and goal, WBCA will: support and encourage student’s participation in the activities, give opportunities in class for students to share their work, and demonstrate how students can make different personal choices with the art materials. Goal 3: Students form healthy social relationships with their peers and adult teaching artists Objective 1: Students and teachers maintain respect through both periods of instruction and working time. Objective 2: All students are engaged in class and feel comfortable participating. Objective 3: Students feel welcome to use WBCA’s amenities and can navigate around the art center. To achieve these objectives and goal, WBCA will: communicate clear expectations to teaching artists and reflect the organization’s values within their contract, support the classroom environment with trained volunteers, welcome and assist students throughout the day, and ensure students’ families are familiar with the art center.

Activities

Major studies conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts have demonstrated linkages between students’ participation in arts classes and increased academic achievement (in both arts and non-arts related subjects); better physical, social, and emotional health; increased civic engagement and sense of place; and improved self-expression, confidence, and sense of self-worth. By achieving the goals described above, Imagine Art! creates a durable impact in the lives of students. Although the subject, instructor, and media changes, the format of most Imagine Art! classes are similar. The teacher begins with introductions and a basic orientation of the classroom and art center. Students are shown the art materials, examples of finished work (both physically and through other media like photos), and given historical examples and grounding context that is age-appropriate. In 2023, WBCA is changing the structure of Imagine Art! classes, to better suit the scheduling needs of parents and busy families. New this year, classes will now be offered in 1-week sessions. For each week-long session, students can sign up for half days or full days of art experiences, with a focus on 2D media, ceramics, or both. This year also debuts an immersive teen program designed to support the creative and professional development of young clay artists. Students receive working time and get individualized attention from both their teacher and volunteer classroom assistants. Volunteers receive training from WBCA, an opportunity that some Imagine Art! students have ‘paid forward’ after aging out of the program. At the end of class, students are always proud to show their work and are excited to bring their projects home. Some students and families coordinate lunch (in the library, atrium, community room, or outdoors at WBCA’s campus) and remain at WBCA all day. Families are welcome to explore the gallery exhibitions and enjoy art center activities while waiting for their students.

Program Dates

June 12, 2023–August 17th, 2023

1 week sessions, Mondays–Thursdays

Can students reside on campus? No

Can students commute to campus? Yes

Can students take online classes? No