Spring 2024 - Growth and Collaboration
ARTS commitment to growth, collaboration, and community impact is unwavering. This spring, we gathered our expanded team of over 40 passionate individuals for a retreat that not only fueled our collective spirit but also deepened our connections with each other and the creative community. From essential fire extinguisher training in partnership with the National City Fire Department to captivating Spring Program presentations across all four of our initiatives, our retreat was an unforgettable blend of education, inspiration, and teamwork.
Expanding Horizons
This year, our team reached a significant milestone as we welcomed over 40 team members to the ARTS Center for our largest Team Retreat to date. This expansion not only brings diverse talents and perspectives but also underscores our commitment to creating a thriving workplace where innovation and creativity flourish.
Safety First - Fire Extinguisher Training
In collaboration with the National City Fire Department, we prioritized the safety of our team members by hosting a comprehensive fire extinguisher training session. This hands-on experience equipped our team with valuable skills to handle emergency situations confidently. The partnership with the fire department highlights our dedication to fostering a secure and prepared work environment.
Spring Program Presentations
The heart of our retreat was the series of inspiring presentations from all four of our impactful programs:
Community ARTS: The team of teaching artists, along with program coordinator Anna Mia Ruiz, unveiled their plans for the Spring 2024 session, featuring a diverse course curriculum spanning various artistic mediums.
Anna Mia, introduced the sewing project led by teaching artist Claudia "Sew Loka" Rodriguez-Biezunski, building upon the success of the previous session with a significant number of returning students. Christopher Tucker will explore the realm of digital media, incorporating the ARTS 3D printer for the first time. New ARTS teaching artist Pablo Dodero will focus on sound and music, drawing from his academic background as he pursues a Ph.D. in Integrative Studies in the Music Department at UC San Diego. Lastly, Sheena Rae Dowling will embark on an impressive task, guiding her young artists in creating murals on the ARTS Center walls, leaving a lasting inspiration for future students entering our space.
ARTS on Campus:
The AoC team, led by Program Coordinator, Katie Carrion presented an overview of the themes and types of projects they will be exploring in their after-school classes and several team members participated in a lively panel discussion followed by a Q&A session.
“I felt so honored and inspired to be part of a team of teaching artists who all have big hearts full of kindness and passion for helping young artists break free and take flight.”
- Iris Rainbow, ARTS on Campus Teaching Artist
Katie infused humor and engagement into the panel discussion by portraying Kathy Barrion, a cheesy "daytime-TV" talk show host. Reflecting on the conversation, she shared, "Working with ARTS on Campus has been an honor, witnessing the community we are building. A sentiment I appreciated from our team during the Spring Retreat was that as teachers and mentors, our role is not to foresee and dictate every detail and outcome of our experiences together. Instead, we should act as rocks and boulders, guiding our students' creativity down a soothing river. I love my team and am excited to see the art unfold this year!"
The ARTS Team explores the Japanese design concept of “Notan”
ARTS 4 Justice:
Our ARTS 4 Justice teaching artists, Rob Tobin and Kelsey Kenny presented their plans on how they will incorporate the theme of Light and Shadow to their continued work with the Juvenile Court Community Schools. They even treated the ARTS Team to a calming and creative activity using the Japanese design concept of “Notan.”
ARTS @ Work: Excited to bring welding back to the ARTS @ Work program this Spring, A@W Coordinator, Terry Matsuoka described some of the details we can expect to see from this sessions cohort of Sweetwater High School students. Terry also used his wealth of knowledge and experience with teaching to provide some training and tips for team members who may be newer to education.
Spring Inspiration
Our team retreat was not just a gathering; it was two days a celebrating our growth and learning, and understanding the collective strength of our diverse talents. As we move forward, inspired by the passion within us and equipped with newfound knowledge, we are more determined than ever to make a lasting impact through the transformative power of creativity.
