The Arts Council is thrilled to announce the return of their new summer programs—New  Ways, SPARK!, and SPARK! in the Park. The Arts Council’s programs offer a dynamic vision and engaging instructors to mentor your creative youth! Classes begin June 21, 2021, and go through August 5, 2021. Dates and times vary; for details click HERE.

Registration is free and spots are limited, so register today! 

New Ways is a partnership with the Arts Council, New Genres Art Space, and United Way of Rock River Valley to bring youth six weeks of innovative digital art offerings such as digital animation, sound art, video production, journalism, 3D printing, and more! New Ways Programs are hosted at the Fairgrounds Boys & Girls Club and Marie Avenue Strong  Neighborhood House. 

SPARK! Is a four-week, hands-on, skill-building, apprenticeship program that provides junior high and high school youth, who demonstrate an interest in the arts, an opportunity to work closely with local artists in a variety of mediums. The primary focus of SPARK! Is community building and positive social connection through the arts. This year’s projects focus on the idea of “small communities in the big city” with the creation of mosaic sculptures and Community Treasure Boxes. SPARK! is hosted by, and in partnership with, Womanspace of Rockford, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. 

SPARK! in the Park is a two-week art camp for elementary-age students who will experience the arts outdoors. Hosted at the Nicholas Conservatory Gardens, youth will rotate through classes such as dance and motion, art in nature, and more! 

They have three, no-fee, art camp opportunities available for our region’s youth, ages 8- 18. Please visit their program website to read project descriptions and register for this unique opportunity to participate in the creation of digital art, performance art, and meaningful, public art installations.