Professional Artist Series
Professional Artist Series are in-depth programs, averaging 6 sessions in length, and are led by professional teaching artists. Youth receive a unique opportunity to work intimately with the artists to learn a variety of art forms. The programs usually culminate in a performance or exhibit where the youth have the opportunity to showcase their work. Sometimes a series will culminate in a field trip where youth can potentially gain information about internships or career paths.
The series are varied and include all types of art forms including photography, visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpture), performing arts, culinary and musical arts. One thing that all Professional Artist Series have in common is a whole lot of FUN!
Professional Artist Series are designed as unique and intimate opportunities for youth to be exposed to new art forms. Not only do youth have the chance to learn from a Professional Artist, but they get to interact with positive adult volunteers as well. This series may turn on a light of inspiration of a new hobby or even a potential career path.
In 2009, 548 youth participated in 42 Professional Artist Series. The assistance of 42 volunteers made these series possible. 100% of youth reported that they feel good about themselves after participating in the Professional Artists Series program.
Social Dance
“I don’t dance” is heard a lot during the first session of this Professional Artist Series, especially when teens are faced with Swing and Salsa. Dancing with a partner is something many Free Arts youth have seen on TV, but certainly not something they ever dreamed of doing. Artist Misha Pemberton is ready to change that in 6 short weeks. With her sweet smile and troupe of willing volunteers, Misha is able to almost immediately turn teens into willing participants. Though someone in the class will always ask Misha if they can learn hip-hop, her answer remains the same, a friendly but firm, “No.” With a sparkle in her eye, Misha encourages youth to give social dancing a try, knowing that she will end up with more converts than not.
At a recent Social Dance series at a local Residential Treatment Center, one 17 year old young man took a shine to dancing. He gleefully told Misha and the volunteers that he practiced after class and that it made him feel really good. One night, this young man felt like cutting himself in an act of self-harm, but instead got up and danced. He performed at the facility talent show soon thereafter, and wowed all of his peers and staff members. “It makes me feel free,” he said of this unique and healing opportunity.
For more information about Professional Artist Series, please contact Teniqua Broughton, Director of Programs, by telephone at 602-258-8100 or email tbroughton@freeartsaz.org.
