12 / 24
10
Inspired by the collages of DellaWells, work from SkyART
students will be on view in the JeanMorman Unsworth Art
Expressways Gallery beginning February 6, 2018.
SkyART has been providing free visual art programs to
young people since 2001. With art at the center of everything
we do, SkyART provides free, safe, open spaces where
participants are empowered and connections are made.
SkyART operates in areas of Chicago where there are very
few other cultural opportunities, much less ones that are
free, consistent, and of such defining quality as those we
provide. Since its founding, SkyART has been the only
program of its kind on the Southeast Side, and it has the
distinction of being the only free and openly accessible
visual arts program in the entire city serving youth ages
7-24. In addition to contributing to the cultural life of
multiple underserved neighborhoods, the SkyART Studios
facility in South Chicago is an important social hub in a
place where there is a dearth of meaningful opportunities
for community engagement.
SkyART programs fall into three categories: Studio, School,
and Community. Studio Programs take place at the SkyART
Studios and are defined by a new approach piloted this fall
called the
SkyWAY
. The
SkyWAY
is a shift in perspective
away from “art education” and toward
art making as an
inherently educational experience
. With guidance from
Teaching Artists, students are encouraged to explore
their creative potential independently, learning about
artistic concepts, techniques, and materials in a multi-age
environment at their own pace. In addition to our after-
school programs during the week, this approach defines our
newest program, exclusively for teens. Project 3rd Space is
an intensive program focused on teens ages 14-16 taking
place at both SkyART Studios and in partnership with the
Arts Incubator inWashington Park. This program is meant
to be a crucial bridge between high school and meaningful
post-secondary educational and career opportunities.
School Programs take place in our network of partnering
schools on Chicago’s South Side and include in-class Arts
Integration delivered by SkyART Teaching Artists in
partnership with classroom teachers, After-school classes,
and workshops for parents and teachers. Community
Programs take place at facilities that are coordinated by
partnering organizations and range from 1-day workshops
to multi-week art courses.
We believe that SkyART is a beacon of positive change.
Through our programs, naturally we hope that our
participants gain art ability and knowledge, but also
critical and creative thinking skills, interpersonal and
communication skills, social and emotional growth,
academic improvement, community building, self-
discipline, and so much more. Our ultimate goal is to
transform the lives of young people – to not only “be there”
for them, but to help them reach their limitless potential.
To learn more about our programs please visit us at
www.skyart.org.
The SkyWAY:
Visual Arts on the South Side
Images (left to right): Students making a collaborative painting during the
SkyWAY
; Students working on independent projects in the Drawing Studio, images courtesy of SkyART.
by Kris Casey, SkyART