Registrations now open
Youth Arts Action
Youth Arts Action offers visual arts programming for youth 12 to 18 years old in diverse communities in Calgary. The program goes beyond art classes, shifting the focus is on providing a safe space for youth to express and reflect on society, community and emotional topics.
Current Programming
Over the summer, our program will delve into the power of art for social change through exploring different art styles that were prevalent or emerged during each decade starting with the 1960s. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and reflections, youth will learn about the role of art in addressing social issues, self-expression and fostering positive change within their community. The cumulative event will be an open house where youth will come together to explore new styles of creativity alongside other Antyx Programs.
Register Here
About the Facilitator
Kai
They focus on the power of community and the strength in providing platforms for voices to be heard. Kai is a self-taught artist who holds the belief that creativity has the capacity to transcend our understanding of self, and our relation to the world around us.
Kai obtained a Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge and spent several years in Southern Alberta supporting youth through their work at the Boys and Girls Club and through her time as a middle school teacher.
The intention of benefiting both youth and the community will be prevalent through the focus on Social Emotional Learning development and community art engagement.
Youth Arts Action is offered in 3 different locations on 3 different days! There are 15 spots available per location. See above for details.
Programming Weekly Schedule
Week 1: 1960s Pop Art
During the first week, youth will dive into the vibrant world of Pop Art, a significant art movement that emerged in the 1960s. They will learn about artists of the time who used popular culture imagery and bold techniques to challenge traditional notions of art. The art activity for this week will involve creating their own Pop Art-inspired pieces, using bright colors and iconic imagery from popular culture.
Week 2: 1970s Tie Dye
This week youth will explore the colorful and expressive art form of Tie Dye, which gained popularity during the early 1970s. They will discover the history and techniques behind Tie Dye, including different folding and dyeing methods. The art activity for this week will involve creating their own Tie Dye designs on fabric or clothing, experimenting with vibrant colors and patterns.
Week 3: 1980s Graffiti Art Style
Youth will dive into the world of Graffiti Art, which emerged as a powerful form of self-expression in the 1980s. They will learn about the origins of graffiti and its evolution into a recognized art form. The art activity for this week is creating graffiti-style artworks on canvas. Youth will have the opportunity to explore how graffiti can be a powerful tool to articulate ideas for change. Today’s session will invite youth to explore a social issue or a personal form of expression to convey in their art piece.
Week 4: 1990s Cartoons and Anime Influences
In today’s session youth will explore the colorful and imaginative world of cartoons and anime, which played a significant role in popular culture during the 1990s. They will examine iconic characters and their influence on society. The art activity for this week is creating their own cartoon or anime characters or illustrations inspired by their favorite cartoons. Youth will create their art piece on 9×12 mixed media paper utilizing markers and colored pencils that suit the expression of their character.
Week 5: 2000s Installation Art Explore through Sculpting
This week youth will explore the captivating world of installation art by exploring the medium of plaster sculpting. Installation art offers a unique and immersive experience, transforming spaces into thought-provoking environments. By working with plaster, youth will create a miniature three-dimensional sculpture of what they would create if they were creating an installation piece. The intention is to explore how powerful installation art can be as a form of communication and as a catalyst for social change.
Week 6: 2010s Renewed Popularity of Minimalism
Today’s session will be an exploration in the form of minimalist art, while it has been present for several decades there was a renewed popularity in the 2010s. Minimalism focuses on simplicity, utilizing clean lines, geometric shapes and a limited color palette. This art style often conveys a sense of tranquility, emphasizing the beauty of simplicity and the reduction of elements to their essential form. Youth will take an image they resonate with and scale it down to its most basic form of creation on 5×7 mixed media paper with the use of ink, marker and colored pencils, using simple shapes and lines that invoke the essence of the image.
Week 7: 2020s Summer Wrap Up
This cumulating open house event will provide an opportunity for youth to celebrate their own artistic expression and how it relates to the modern world. Youth will have the opportunity to rotate through the various Antyx Programs and celebrate the artistic expression of contemporary times. Bridging all the programs together will invite a cross-communal environment where youth can learn and engage with youth and facilitators from different Antyx programs.
Week 8: Zine Completion- Celebrating Unity and Diversity
In this week’s session youth will finalize their contributions to the Youth Arts Action Zine. This celebratory week emphasizes the completion of the communal project that will be available for the community and at the Youth Zine Workshop Night. This Zine will highlight the diversity of voices within the group and the unity achieved through artistic collaboration.
Week 9: Gelli Plate Printing: Unveiling the layers of Expression
This week youth will explore the layers of identity through gelli printing with acrylics. Gelli printing is a unique technique that involves creating captivating prints using a gelatin plate. Youth will explore the endless possibilities of this medium experimenting with color, texture and layering to bring their creative vision to life. As we prepare for the upcoming Zine Workshop, youth will transform their prints into vibrant collage elements to contribute for their peers to use in their zines. Today’s session invites youth to create something of meaning to their individual identity and share it with fellow youth across the city.
Week 10: Youth Workshop Zine Night
In the final session of this program cycle youth will come together for a Youth Workshop Zine Night where they will create zines that express their individual identity. The event will be open to any youth, age 12-18 in the city including the participants of Youth Arts Action. The communal event will invite youth to showcase their individual identity and foster a sense of belonging among peers. Additionally, the Youth Arts Action Collaborative Zine will be on display and available for viewing at the event.
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