Learning Through Art

Managing Director Anna James Percival, who joined Icicle Arts in April 2009, has been performing and teaching dance and working in the arts for over ten years.  After learning that the arts programs in local schools were being cut back, Ms. Percival wanted to find a way to provide an arts education to the affected students.  Now, with a new program underway, she is glad to be expanding Icicle Arts’ outreach efforts.

Icicle Arts’ new after school arts program (called A.S.A.P. for short) began this week in Leavenworth.  A.S.A.P. is designed to promote the arts through education and foster awareness and enjoyment for all forms of art.  Students will benefit from development of their imagination and judgment, as well as their ability to focus.  Arts education programs like A.S.A.P. have been shown to improve self-esteem, communication, and public speaking skills.  The program allows students to have a fulfilling after-school experience with hands-on arts education.  A.S.A.P. will provide high quality art classes taught by carefully screened local and guest artists. A wide variety of art forms will be included, such as dance, ceramics, music, drawing, collage, jewelry design, painting, sculpture, creative writing, photography, and theater.  During Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest, students will have the opportunity to present their work with a performance at Barn Beach Reserve and an art show at Icicle Arts Gallery.

A.S.A.P. Program Coordinator, Castilia Cava, has significant experience teaching children throughout the Wenatchee Valley.  She is fluent in Spanish and has worked as a Bilingual Para Educator, Daycare Assistant/Art Coordinator, and Art Teacher at Cashmere Middle and High Schools.  Ms. Cava has also worked for the Wenatchee After-School Daycare Program and as the Royal Family Kids Camp Arts & Crafts Coordinator.  She is pleased to be working with Icicle Arts to help create and facilitate the new program.

A.S.A.P. is being held in Leavenworth at Osborn School (in connection with their After School Program) and at Barn Beach Reserve, as well as in Cashmere at the United Methodist Church.  A.S.A.P takes place Monday and Tuesday afternoons every week.  The program will run from January to June, consisting of one 12-week session and one 10-week session.  The first level of the program is for Elementary students and the second level is for Middle and High School students. 

To learn more, or to register, visit iciclearts.org, or call Icicle Arts at (509) 668-4663.

-Jennifer G. Hutzel