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First Posted: 10/7/2012
From Oct. 1-7, the Greater Pittston YMCA celebrated YMCA’s Arts Week.
Arts Week is an initiative of the Y that promotes the power of art to educate, inspire and connect the entire community, and is celebrated at Ys nationwide every October in conjunction with National Arts and Humanities Month.
“Arts Week is about celebrating the influence of art and culture and how it can help young people find their voice, discover talents and strive to reach their potential,” said Craig Lukatch, CEO, Greater Pittston YMCA. “It’s an opportunity to showcase artists’ work and to bring everyone together to experience and understand the pleasure and impact of the arts. We also have a brand new arts center where kids can go and be creative in a safe and fun environment!”
Arts education can be beneficial to children and teen’s development. According to recent research by the National Endowment for the Arts, youth, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, who regularly participate in arts programs tend to perform well in school, have higher career goals, and become more involved in civic engagement, such as volunteering and voting.
As part of a commitment to youth development, the Greater Pittston YMCA works to help youth discover new skills and talents through art, and provides a welcoming environment where youth can feel comfortable to express themselves. Starting in November, with support from Arts Seen Gallery in Pittston, the Y will be adding two art classes for youth, Art Sampler and Pottery.
Art Sampler is for ages 3-6 on Saturdays in November at Pittston YMCA from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This early art experience introduces young children to a variety of materials and basic art concepts such as color, line, shape and texture. Storytelling will be integrated with drawing and painting. This is a nurturing environment that will stress experimentation, creativity and fun.
This course serves as an exciting introduction to the world of arts and all its possibilities. Participants will engage in traditional arts activities like painting and crafting in a fun and safe setting. Youth will learn important life skills such as working with peers and following directions. Being instructed by Lukatch, the cost is $25 for current youth and Family Members and $40 nonmembers. Includes materials fee.
Pottery is for ages 7-12 held on Saturdays in November at Arts Seen Gallery from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Young artists will love to get their imaginations going and their hands dirty in this ceramics class. Each week we will explore the techniques of coiling, pinching, slabs and glazing with a combination of air dry and kiln fired clay.
Instructed by Tina Sherwood and Sandy Trocki, the cost is $65 for current youth and family members and $80 for nonmembers. Includes artist fees and materials fee
These programs help youth improve their creative and tactical skills, learn to socialize and build relationships.
To learn more about YMCA’s Arts Week or the Greater Pittston YMCAs arts programs, contact Craig Lukatch at 570-655-2255 ext.101, [email protected] or stop by the YMCA.