The Art Explorer Program at the Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts is both educational and fun. Now in its 20th year, the program teaches children basic forms of art and encourages creativity. The program offers a studio experience, followed by activities in nature. Working together in teams, the children create works of art. They develop their creativity in a variety of mediums, including painting and drawing, papermaking, and pottery.
Throughout the years, the summer soundtrack in Windham has been enhanced through a variety of free concerts funded by the Windham Foundation including: Heritage Music, Taiko drum performances, jazz performances, and classical performances.
The Nutcracker
In early December, the Windham Foundation funded tickets to the Catskill Mountain Foundation’s performance of The Nutcracker. Windham families in need and local members of the Golden Agers received tickets to attend this holiday favorite. This is a production of the Catskill Mountain Foundation-Orpheum Dance Program in collaboration with Joffrey Ballet School New York and Aquila Theatre.
Art Explorers
The Art Explorer Program offered at the Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts, located in Maplecrest is both educational and fun. Now in its 20th year, the program teaches children basic forms of art and encourages creativity. The Windham Foundation, in collaboration with the Catskill Mountain Foundation, provide funding and scholarships for local children to attend.
Last year’s theme for the Art Explorers was Birds, Bugs, and Bears and was attended by 70 children ages 5 – 14. This year’s theme will be The Superpowers of Art and Nature. Each morning started with a studio experience, followed by activities in nature. Working together in teams, the children create works of art. They develop their creative skills in a variety of mediums, including painting and drawing, papermaking, and pottery.
Summer Arts Concert
Throughout the years, the summer soundtrack in Windham has been enhanced through free concerts funded by the Windham Foundation including: Taiko drum performances, jazz performances, and live classical performances.
Norman Rockwell Museum Tour
Thirty students in grades 5th-7th from Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School took a field trip to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA. Made possible by funding from the Windham Foundation, students were given an opportunity to view the works of the American illustrator first hand. Students were able to experience Rockwell’s art, life and legacy in the artist’s culturally rich New England hometown. Dan Yolen, the middle and high school art teacher, along with Sharon Quinn, the K-6 art teacher, organized the trip. Students analyzed and respond to various works of art. They learned about Rockwell’s early life and his passion for drawing. Norman Rockwell painted people and their experiences. “Without thinking too much about it in specific terms, I was showing the America I knew and observed to others who might not have noticed”-Norman Rockwell. This was a great opportunity for the students to view the many contributions of one of America’s leading artists. Through the artist’s brush, students learned that the American Dream is obtainable through hard work and determination. Students returned to their home and classroom, inspired.
One of the Windham Foundation’s goals is to encourage students to have dreams and goals. By funding programs like these, students can explore another time, another life, and other points of view. It is important to support the success of these young students in the community of Windham. This was the second art tour funded by the Windham Foundation. Last Year, students visited Frederick Church’s home at Olana and learned about the Hudson River School of Art. The Windham Foundation is a 501c3, not-for-profit.
