Icicle Arts’ After School Arts Program Is Now Enrolling

Photo by Reed Carlson

Icicle Arts announces the return of the After School Arts Program in Leavenworth and Cashmere, starting in November. Students may enroll now for fall, winter, and spring sessions at Osborn Elementary and at Cashmere United Methodist Church (walking distance from all Cashmere schools). The once-weekly multi-disciplinary arts program, taught by Andrea Locke and special guest artists, is focused on providing affordable and professional arts education and inspiring students to continue their own personal exploration and study of arts throughout their lives.

In its first program year (January-June 2010), Icicle Arts’ After School Arts Program included first-grade through twelfth-grade students by offering weekly programming in various art forms ranging from visual to performing arts to two levels of participants. Serving over 100 students in its first six months, the results of the program were tangible and positive. Participating families reported through an online survey the following benefits from the program: increased academic achievement (42.9% elementary, 87.5% middle/high school) and improved mood, motivation, ability to focus, communication skills, self-esteem, and tolerance for others (42.9% elementary, 71.5% middle/high school).

The fall mini-session of Icicle Arts’ After School Arts Program will be held from November to December and will be offered to two levels of students. Level one will be offered to third, fourth, and fifth graders at Leavenworth’s Osborn Elementary School from 2:45-4:45 PM on Tuesdays (snack will be provided). Level two will be offered in Cashmere at the United Methodist Church’s upstairs art room from 3:30-5 on Thursdays. Level two students will choose from a variety of arts topics and Icicle Arts staff will work with the students to create a custom curriculum specific to the students’ interests, including fun field trips. All sessions are subject to minimum enrollment. Students must register in advance: online at iciclearts.org or by calling (509) 548-2278. Wenatchee locations are currently under exploration, interested schools should contact Icicle Arts.

Icicle Arts Program Coordinator Andrea Locke holds a B.S. in Dance from The University of Idaho, and will create a broad curriculum including a variety of art forms. Past topics included dance and choreography with Managing Director and professional dancer/choreographer Anna James Miller, theater with guest artist Shana Pennington-Baird (Seattle), papermaking with guest artist Jan Johnston (Leavenworth), printmaking, cartooning, collage, recycled art, and ceramics.

The cost to participate in Icicle Arts’ After School Arts Program is $10/week, based on the length of the session. Fall session cost is $40 for Leavenworth and $50 for Cashmere. Students who are eligible for free/reduced lunch programs and are interested in applying for a scholarship should contact Icicle Arts. Register for both sessions now online at iciclearts.org or by calling (509) 548-2278.

This year’s After School Arts Program is made possible by a $5,000 gift from Fred Johnson in support of the Cashmere program and by individual community member contributions. To support the program and help local children experience hands-on arts activities please contact Icicle Arts.