Our Artist Program!

The 10-week in-person program Includes…

Drop-In Studio Time: Studio time occurs bi-weekly and allows students/artists to participate in independent artistic exploration (with their artist mentors). This time is loosely structured by our lead teaching artist and is reserved for work on ongoing projects from class, cross-collaboration with other students/artists, or any other exploration.

Classes: Class sessions occur bi-weekly (on Saturdays throughout the Fall) for two hours per session. During these sessions, Artists are introduced to visual art, self-expression, and storytelling techniques and provided with the space and materials to pursue their own practice.

Near Peer Mentorship: Each artist is supported by a Teaching Artist Assistant, buddy, or collaborator throughout our classes and studio time. These volunteers are there to ensure our artists have everything they need for a safe and comfortable experience in our space. Collaborators work closely with our lead teaching artist to support skill development and individual exploration.

Family and Community Engagement: Regular communication and consultation with family members and caretakers. This engagement includes an orientation email and meeting before the beginning of Fall programming, weekly email updates from Willow Arts leadership, and an end-of-program Community Gallery/Exhibition event!

Community Exhibition: At the end of our programs, we welcome family, friends, and community members to join us for the opening of the Willow Arts Community Exhibition! This is an opportunity to celebrate the work of our artists and the connections we make throughout our programming.

Field Trips: Throughout programming, we will aim to take approximately two field trips to partner organizations, galleries, and museums that have the capacity and experience necessary to guarantee a rewarding experience for our artists.