The Francis Hardy Center for the Arts is pleased to announce preparations for its 6-week ETC (Exposure to Creativity) Arts Mentorship Program, set to launch at the end of January.
The ETC Arts Mentorship Program, established in 2007, matches high school students in the Gibraltar Area School district with experienced local artists for specific learning in a variety of creative art disciplines (e.g. visual, performing, literary, etc.). The free program teaches the arts in ways that encourage imagination, inspiring students to expand personal horizons, strengthen their academic success and achieve potential career goals.
“The Door Peninsula’s extensive and vibrant arts community provides the necessary support for the program,” says Elizabeth Meissner-Gigstead, executive director. “Not only is the student need there, but it also provides an opportunity for local artists to do educational work during the off-season. It’s all about aligning needs and resources,” she continues.
The multi-faceted ETC program also consists of a series of hands-on workshops. On Nov. 4 and 18, 2008, with the support of Friends of Gibraltar, Gibraltar High School, the Peninsula School of Art, and community partners, the Hardy provided all high school students their choice of two half-day arts-focused workshops. In total, 26 workshops were presented in a variety of creative fields that included painting (pastels, oils and watercolors), fibers, photography (digital and black and white), dance (jazz and ballet), theater, poetry, sculpture, music, filmmaking and fashion design. The workshops are designed to stimulate interest in the arts and introduce students to a variety of art disciplines.
Since the ETC program’s debut, the Hardy has afforded free opportunities to more than 350 Northern Door County students.
“The program is evolving into a dynamic, meaningful vehicle outside the classroom for students to develop their creativity and connect with the community,” Gigstead continues.
Support for the ’08-09 ETC Program has been generously provided by Azure Menswear, Blacksmith Inn on the Shore, Chelsea Antiques/Blue Willow, Dahl Law Firm, Dan Carlson & Associates, Door County Community Foundation, Great Lakes Yacht Services, Great Northern by Design, Hide Side Corner Store, Liberty Square, Nathan Nichols & Co., On Deck Clothing Co., Webber Chiropractic Office with additional support from the Peninsula School of Art, private individuals, and foundations.
For more information about the Hardy, visit www.thehardy.org, call 920.854.2210 or e-mail info@thehardy.org.
The Francis Hardy Center for the Arts is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote awareness, understanding and appreciation of the arts through education and outreach programs, events and exhibits. Funding is partially provided by the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the state of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
