Working with the schools is a fundamental part of The Center's mission. Through residencies, performances, classes and professional development for teachers The Center makes it a priority to bring world class artists and scholars to even the youngest members of our community. Sometimes these classroom experiences can excite a student to explore a new art form or give a youngster his or her first chance to witness live dance. The Center’s work in the schools is quiet, meaningful and central to our work in the community.
Teaching artists work in each of Blaine County's elementary schools to provide in-depth art programs throughout the year. Classes are offered free of charge and are designed to complement the art instruction happening in the schools. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and Spanish speaking students are welcome. Language barriers will be accommodated. Please call The Center with questions about the next class being offered.
Whenever The Center brings an author or artist to the Valley, we try to make them available to as many people as possible. Despite living in a small community, local students have access to some of the greatest minds of our time. Recently high school students have taken a creative writing class with Terry Tempest Williams, biology students have heard a lecture from E.O. Wilson, middle schoolers have gone to the depths of mining with author Gregg Olsen, and young authors have heard about the artistic process from Louise Erdrich.
School performances are a vital part of our education outreach. By offering opportunities for students to experience world music, contemporary dance, and film in their own schools we give them access to a variety of artistic forms. Most recently students had the chance to work with BodyVox, a contemporary dance group and with Jose-Luis Orozco an internationally known bilingual educator.
The Center offers interactive gallery tours for students of all ages. Teachers are invited to schedule visits for specific exhibitions. While here, students will have the opportunity to discuss the current artwork on display, try their hand at media and processes exhibited and explore issues presented in the exhibition. In the past year, students from every school and every grade have toured the gallery.
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