Instructors: Mira Michelle
In this class students will explore different art techniques through learning about the styles of famous artists. The class incorporates key pieces of art history and provides lots of hands on experience with a variety of materials. The class covers the basic principles of visual art including perspective, color theory, design and composition. Students will work with drawing, painting, assemblage, printmaking and more. The class is designed to be fun, engaging and interactive. The Visual Art class culminates in an art show of the students' work.
Teacher: Elijah Pfotenhauer
Students learn to paint large-scale murals through direct hands on training. From concept to sketch, fill-ins to final details, each student in an all-inclusive approach addresses the entire process. A focus on school / community issues and asperations is incorporated into the class's artistic goal, creating the opportunity to actively participate in ones climate.
Instructor: Gitana Martinez
The Movement & Empowerment Series is a fusion of body psychology, expressive arts therapy and fitness education. This workshop is designed to empower the individual through the practice of creative self-reflective exercises and exploration of fundamental fitness education. Students will learn basic anatomy, nutrition, fitness exercises and meditation skills, while increasing flexibility and strength, and building endurance and self-esteem.
Instructor: Marya Stark
In this class, students will learn basics of improvisational performance theater. This workshop is designed to facilitate self-awareness practices and techniques to assist students in developing creative communication and improvisational skills. Students will learn to co-develop improvised scenes based on readings, class discussions, improvisation exercises and free-writing assignments.
Instructor: Mira Michelle
Girlosophy is a weekly group for young women. The group creates a safe supportive environment where the participants are able to share about the challenges they face and they are able to create positive strategies for how to deal with them. The goal of the group is to facilitate the participants' sense of confidence in them selves. The class offers group discussions, writing exercises, art projects and inspiring guest speakers. The program seeks to pass on a set concrete tools the young women can utilize to navigate the pivotal transition into womanhood.
Instructor: Marya Stark
In this class, students learn basic song-writing skills, including song structure, style, lyric development, transformation through creative self-expression. Students will have the opportunity to facilitate each other in improvisational song writing, as well as write songs in small groups, large groups, and individually. Through a series of free-writing, improvised music making, music listening, lyrics analysis, meditation, and song-writing exercises, students will decide on an album theme, develop material, and perform the songs for a final recording and/or live performance.
Instructor: Spencer Wilkinson
Youth participating in the video production class learn the basics of creating documentary videos. The class happens in three phases: Pre-Production, Production and Post-Production. In Pre-Production, youth learn to develop an idea into a script, cast their talent and plan their production. In Production, youth learn shot composition, production roles, direction, audio, lighting and interviewing skills. Post-Production includes training in editing, narration, graphics and soundtrack. Spencer Wilkinson has developed curriculum specifically for working with youth with low attention spans and has skills and resources to teach hard-to-reach youth. In 2009, Spencer facilitated two semesters with students from Ceasar Chavez High School to create two short documentaries about issues of violence and documenting the community organization, Barrios Unidos. "A Documentary about Barrios Unidos" was selected to screen at the Santa Cruz International Film Festival.
Instructor: Tawn Kennedy
This class will introduce students to the basic elements of hip hop performance: poetry, freestyling, beatboxing, and rapping. As we explore the 'elements', participants will be supported in developing the skills they most enjoy. The class will also address the history of hip hop culture as an urban political movement, and explore its roots in African musical and oral traditions.
Instructor: Amber Mendez
Students will learn the basics of Afro-Brazilian drum rhythms, as well as contemporary rhythms such as hip hop and funk. The class will focus on creating a Beginning Samba Reggae Ensemble. Drums and drumming gear will be provided. Students will have the option to perform in local parades and local shows, as well as a student performance at the end of the program.
Teacher: Nikki Moon
This class focuses on developing one's creative "voice" through drawing, painting, sculpture, movement, and writing, focusing on foundational art techniques presented according to the interests of the participants. The goal of the class is to facilitate each student's artistic growth and exploration of their unique creative inspirations.
Instructor: Nikki Moon
This class will explore holistic health through nutrition, yoga and meditation and will be a combination of movement, lecture/discussion, journaling and direct experience. The aim of this class is to enhance the understanding of your body and mind. Inspiration will be drawn from Western and Eastern models of health.