The History Behind: CVHM’s Young At Art Summer Program
Young At Art students with their instruction, Sunny Patton (far right)
THEN: In 1984, Young at Art was started by Jan Wilgers, a teacher from Desert Sands Unified School District. At first, it started as a Saturday art class. Then, Carolyn Cook started the summer art program. As it grew, more volunteer help was needed. When Carolyn took over as the CVHM Director, Myra Byrd, Mary Minamide, Mary Shmorhun, and Betty Morgin registered and taught summer art classes.
Young At Art instructor, Sunny Patton, showing students an art technique
AND NOW: Young at Art offers a 3-4 week art program for children 8-14 years old. Since its inception, Young at Art has fulfilled a need that schools have not been able to meet, experiencing different art media on a consistent basis. So much so, that we've had many returning students and ones who bring their siblings or friends back with them to participate. The types of art classes that have been offered are drawing, water coloring painting, multimedia art, sculpture, and clay.
Young At Art students working on a project
At the end of the 3-4 weeks of classes, we hold a reception and display all the artwork that was created. Families are invited to come and see all of the wonderful creations. I have received many positive comments and feedback from both parents and students since taking over as program coordinator when Betty Morgin moved up North to live with family. We could not have accomplished all of this without the great support that we have received from the Coachella Valley History Museum.
- Maggie Hamilton, Program Director of Young At Art
For information about upcoming Young At Art sessions, please click here to email Maggie.
Young At Art volunteer Sunny Patton (left), Program Director Maggie Hamilton (center), and volunteer Yolanda Mosqueda (right) at the Family Reception
