ARTS Arena Extended Dates are Announced
The ARTS Arena continues to grow as youth across the area join in the creation of expressive works. Personal stories, exploratory adventures and learning are shared through the Arena. Arts for Rural Texas, a 501(c)(3) non-profit offers programs for youth and adults. During this time when the news media and all those around us speak of stress and isolation, ARTS offers opportunities to interact and create.
The making of artwork creates a sense of purpose and calm. The actual process of experiencing art, whether through creating it or viewing it, releases dopamine in the brain which results in a sense of reward, motivation, memory, attention and even regulating body movements.
“If there was any doubt how important art really is,” says one of ARTS supporters, “people should look at all the encouragement television is giving now for children to do art to be posted on their programs.” “It is very true,” says Karen Vernon, Executive Director at ARTS. “And it applies to adults as well. Whether it is gardening, woodworking, cooking or simply, reorganizing a closet, problem solving and creating contribute to our sense of security and happiness. Where the ARTS Arena is designed for the children, we hope that it may inspire adults as well. There is no limit to creativity. There is no age limit. There is no quarantine on expression and sharing.”
Extended Dates Announced
Upcoming Themes:
Week 9: May 18-22, Theme: Fun-What Are You Doing?
Week 10: May 25-29, Theme: Lego’s
Week 11: June 1-5, Theme: Around the World
Week 12: June 8-9, Theme: Pets
When Covid-19 required the closing of the free Art After School program provided by ARTS, the organization decided to restructure the program to allow the children to continue to create and share. ARTS submits themes each week. As well, the organization offers lessons and ideas on its Facebook page (Arts for Rural Texas and ARTS On the Go) and sends out How To’s to those who wish to enroll. Instructional videos and interactive programs are being offered.
The ARTS Arena is designed for youth, ages 5-18. Submissions of all things creative are welcome. The submissions are done through email and text. It is easy and simple. There is no cost to participate in the ARTS Arena. Each piece of artwork, performance, written story or poem is to be created and sent to ARTS at info@artsforrualtexas.org. They can be sent through the link https://artsforruraltexas.org/arts-arena or by sending a text to (979) 966-8129. ARTS invites all to explore, experience, express and share.
In conjunction with the ARTS Arena, ARTS also sponsors ARTS On the Go. Due to the increase in homeschooling, we have found that stores have limited art supplies. As part of our Arts On the Go pro-gram, ARTS will provide a To Go pack of supplies for children who might need them. Call (979) 966-8129 to sign up. Look for lesson on Facebook at ARTS On the Go.
SONIC Drive-In has joined the program by becoming a sponsor of the program. For each submission the children receive points that are converted to gift certificates at SONIC. Sonic supports youth education and offers another sponsorship program, Learning for Limeades. SONIC has provided 1000 gift certificates to support the ARTS Arena program.
The collection of each week’s artwork may be seen at https://artsforruraltexas.org/arts-arena