Arts in the Schools

The Shead Jazz Combo perform at EAC in spring 2019. Photo by Brandy Argir.

The Eastport Arts Center collaborates with area schools to introduce students to a variety of artistic disciplines and to foster an understanding of the creative process through hands-on experiences. Recent efforts have included musical master classes and visiting artists, dance residencies, special presentations at the EAC, our annual Youth Art Month exhibition, High School Jazz Night and High School One Act Review.

Students work with acrylics. Photo by L. Elwood.

Workshops

An exciting array of workshops are offered year-round for participants of all ages. Summertime features offerings weekly or even more frequently; spring, fall and winter seasons boast monthly workshops. In addition, week-long arts camps for youth are offered in summer and when schoolchildren are on break in April. From epoxy resin art to yeasted bread, fly-tying to shibori resist-dyeing, bellydancing to paper-marbling, the workshops feature talented instructors from Washington County and further abroad.

Sally DeCicco participates in EAC’s Zoom-based ‘Festival of Ornaments’ a themed Zoom workshop trio offered in winter 2020.

Homeschool Co-op

EAC’s Homeschool Co-op is a place for K-12 students and their families to engage in structured activities, have a safe space to explore educational goals, and meet peers for social interaction.
The group is free, and welcomes new members. Those who would like more information are invited to email Nicole Perkins at nicole@eastportartscenter.org.

KinderArts

Tiny Yogis | Photo by Tarah Waters

KinderArts was created to invite preschool-age children to explore the visual and performing arts via hands-on experiences. The weekly sessions feature a cozy, creative and sociable environment and a warm community of parents and caregivers accompanying their curious young charges. Children up to age 5 are welcome, but must come with a caregiver.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the KinderArts program created a series of Craft Along Videos with instructor Nia Aretakis, featuring simple-to-follow projects. Free materials kits were provided by EAC, or participants used their own supplies; these videos remain accessible via this page and our YouTube channel, and are worth a look for crafters of all ages. Read more about Nia and her efforts to help keep our youngest EAC community members creating here.

Nia Aretakis explains color mixing in ‘Finger Print Art’ a KinderArts Craft Along video.
For inquiries, ideas and feedback about EAC educational efforts, please contact Nicole Perkins, Education & Outreach Coordinator at nicole@eastportartscenter.org