Introducing: ARTS After Dark
ARTS After Dark is all about giving people a fun space to be creative while supporting our youth programs! After hearing from the community about the desire for more adult programming, we kicked off our first ARTS After Dark event this month. It was a fantastic success and marks the start of a new semi-monthly gathering where creativity and connection can flourish.
Jose Contreras Jr., our ARTS Operations Manager and the brains behind this exciting program, shared, "Bringing this program to life has been such a joy for me as I draw on my experience in programming and events. I can’t wait to see how this program evolves so we can keep meeting the community's needs while staying true to our mission."
This March, for our very first ARTS After Dark event, we welcomed new and familiar community members for a night of artistic exploration led by our talented ARTS on Campus Teaching Artist, Ell Treese.
We began the evening with a welcoming "circle time," during which everyone had the chance to introduce themselves and share their motivations for attending. The overwhelming theme was a desire to reconnect with their creative side, something that resonated deeply with us. It was clear that everyone was ready to dive into a world of creativity and inspiration.
Ell led a super fun painting session where everyone explored their creativity with mushroom-themed art inspired by nature. While there were plenty of helpful tips from Ell, the real focus was letting everyone express themselves in their own way. "I gave instructions for the painting but also encouraged everyone to make it their own, to make choices that felt right to them. The result was just as I'd hoped for! Everyone made completely unique paintings that showcased their creativity."
Though the main activity and theme was painting and creativity, it was evident that the night was not just about making art but also about fostering a sense of community. Attendees enjoyed refreshments, including options to purchase beer and wine, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere to let their creativity flow.
“Everyone made completely unique paintings that showcased their creativity.”
The success of our first ARTS after Dark event exceeded all expectations! Participants left not only with beautiful paintings but also hopefully with a rekindled passion for creativity and new friendships. This success is a testament to the vibrant creative community we have. Thank you to all who joined us for such a memorable evening!
"It was exciting to be on the other side of things and see how Ell conducts their class. I am glad that our community has the opportunity to experience programs from the perspective of the youth and witness the talented team we have here at ARTS," said Jose.
“I am glad that our community has the opportunity to experience programs from the perspective of the youth and witness the talented team we have here at ARTS”
We're excited to continue this journey of creativity together and can't wait to see everyone at the next event! Stay tuned for details on our next ARTS After Dark event! Here's to kicking off a wonderful series of artistic adventures at the ARTS Center!
Check out Ells's website to learn more about their personal art: practice www.elltreese.com.
Thank you to Blick Art Materials, for providing art materials for our event!
