Art After School

Northwest Faces

Recommended for grades K-5

The Northwest is filled with people from many diverse communities. Youth explore how artists draw on their own cultural backgrounds to depict themselves and their neighbors. Find new inspiration to represent your own community.

Identity and Native Art

Recommended for grades K-12

The contemporary Native artists included in Native Portraiture: Power and Perception actively deconstruct myths and preconceptions about Native people through their art.  Youth will consider the dynamics at play when non-Native artists create images of Native people and when Native artists create images of themselves and members of their own communities. Youth will also identify the power of telling their own story and defining their own identity.

Art and Immigration

Recommended for grades 6-12

Immigrant Artists and the American West  draws attention to how art relates to and responds to personal and political issues around immigration. Youth will critically examine their own history of and viewpoints on immigration. With a special focus on contemporary art, youth will build empathy and a deeper understanding of the power of art to change the way we see the world.

Art After School seeks to address the following community needs:

1. Increase youth participation in the arts by creating increased opportunities for youth to access the Tacoma Art Museum
2. Increase the percentage of students benefiting from expanded learning and enrichment opportunities through out-of-school programs as identified by the Foundation for Tacoma Students
3. Support the development of 21st century skills (e.g. Creativity and Innovation, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication and Collaboration, and Social and Cross-Cultural Skills) which are essential to career and college readiness as identified by Tacoma Public Schools

The goals of Art After School are to:

1. Increase equitable access to the arts by providing transportation funds and free program access
2. Cultivate empathy and tolerance amongst youth participants to foster a more equitable society by engaging in inclusive dialogue about works of art by artists with diverse backgrounds and perspectives
3. Empower youth to act as leaders in their communities by providing multiple opportunities for youth to express themselves and build confidence in their opinions and voice