Arts for Learning WNY & Artpark partner to expand summer arts experiences for children & families

Arts for Learning WNY press release

Arts for Learning WNY announced a new partnership with Artpark & Company that will bring Arts for Learning WNY teaching artists into Artpark’s established summer programming for children and families. This collaboration is made possible through support from the Niagara Area Foundation.

As part of the partnership, Arts for Learning WNY teaching artists will participate in Artpark’s “Wonder Wednesdays” series and summer camp programming, contributing interactive arts experiences that encourage creativity, exploration and hands-on learning.

“Arts for Learning WNY is thrilled to collaborate with Artpark and have the opportunity to bring our teaching artists into programs that are already connecting families with the arts,” said Beth Ireland, director of development and marketing for Arts for Learning WNY. “We are grateful to the Niagara Area Foundation for supporting this partnership and helping create more opportunities for children and families to engage with professional artists and meaningful creative experiences.”

Arts for Learning WNY teaching artists featured in ‘Wonder Wednesdays’

Artpark’s “Wonder Wednesdays” series invites children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to participate in two hours of sensory exploration through the arts. Held on the Artpark grounds, the series offers opportunities for young children to engage in guided artistic play, nature exploration, storytelling and creative discovery alongside a variety of teaching artists and workshop leaders.

Arts for Learning WNY teaching artists will contribute to the following “Wonder Wednesdays”:

•“Wonder Wednesday: All About the Ocean”; July 1, 10 a.m. to noon: Teaching artist Kelly Betschen will guide participants through ocean-inspired creativity with a hands-on clay experience exploring sea creatures and the underwater world.

•“Wonder Wednesday: All About Color”; July 8, 10 a.m. to noon: Teaching artist Kristin Brandt will introduce young artists to the world of color through watercolor exploration and creative play.

•“Wonder Wednesday: All About Dinosaurs”; July 15, 10 a.m. to noon: The Wondermakers will lead an interactive storytelling experience inviting children to explore the prehistoric world of dinosaurs.

•“Wonder Wednesday: All About the Farm”; Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to noon: The Wondermakers will engage children and caregivers in a farm-inspired storytelling experience filled with imagination and creativity.

For more information, the complete “Wonder Wednesdays” schedule, and RSVP details, visit Artpark’s website.

Fine art bookbinding summer camp workshops

Arts for Learning WNY teaching artist Laura Chenault will also join Artpark’s summer camp programming with fine art bookbinding workshops for youth ages 9-14. Participants will explore the art of bookmaking while learning creative techniques and building their own handmade books.

Fine art bookbinding:

√ Tuesday, July 14, 1-4 p.m.; ages 9-10 and ages 12-14

√ Tuesday, July 21, 1-4 p.m.; ages 9-10 and ages 12-14

This partnership reflects the shared commitment of Arts for Learning WNY and Artpark to connect children and families with high-quality arts experiences and professional artists throughout Western New York.

Support for this partnership is provided by the Niagara Area Foundation, whose investment helps strengthen access to arts learning opportunities and community engagement throughout Niagara County.

To learn more about Arts for Learning WNY and upcoming arts learning opportunities, visit www.artsforlearningwny.org.

Arts for Learning WNY's mission is to inspire, expand learning, and strengthen the community through engagement with the arts. It provides services in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties. Every day, it fulfills this mission through residencies, workshops and performances in educational, cultural and community centers. Arts for Learning WNY was established in 1962 and celebrated 60 years of service in 2022.