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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.
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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 for elementary (2nd - 5th) and middle school students. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and Spanish speaking students are welcome. Language barriers will be accommodated.
To be added to the waitlist to a full class please call Angela at 726-9491 x10
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Spring 2012 Schedule
Class sign ups begin on March 12, 2012, 3pm by phone or website only.
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| 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. |
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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.
Sweet Plantain - March 2011
Prior to a public performance Sweet Plantain visited the schools to perform for The Community School, Pioneer Montessori, Bellevue Elementary and work with Wood River High School and Middle School orchestra students. Sweet Plantain provided music in advance to the Wood River High School orchestra and then spent 3 days rehearsing together. The students then joined Sweet Plantain on stage at the public performance to present the two pieces they prepared.
Here is a note of thanks that we received from one of the orchestra student's parents:
We wanted to let the Sun Valley Center know that the Sweet Plantain concert on Friday, March 4, was absolutely fantastic. Their innovative musical style makes classical music so accessible. It’s amazing what they can do with a stringed instrument.
But without a doubt, it was a true gift to the community to have the WRHS orchestra play with the quartet. It was inspirational. Kudos to Sweet Plantain for their genuine interest and desire to work with these students as well as the quartet’s enormous generosity in making sure this performance was as meaningful and successful as possible for these kids. Kudos as well to Rebecca Martin for her part in making this happen. Besides their skill, we were greatly impressed with the students’ poise and focus during the concert. That doesn’t happen by accident. Rebecca was a tremendous influence on their performance.
And kudos as well to the Sun Valley Center for the Arts for making this collaboration between artist and student possible. As Center members and the parents of an 8th grade cellist, we hope that these kinds of opportunities continue – with Sweet Plantain as well as with other performers that the Center schedules. Such opportunities result in rewarding experiences that enrich the lives of those who participate as well as those of us who attend.
Thank you once again for an unforgettable experience.
Alain & Karla Rinckwald |
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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