NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley continues to broaden the educational and artistic horizons of Wooonsocket’s youth this spring as our beloved Art Center is now open for enrollment!
Spring programming at the Art Center is accepting applications on a first come, first served basis. Located at 146 Sayles Street in Woonsocket, our DCYF-certified child care Art Center provides before and after school programming during the school year; as well as full day programming during vacations and throughout the summer. Activities for students in grades K-5, led by staff and certified teachers, include arts and crafts, music, reading and literacy, gardening, outdoor play and field trips.
While the staff at the Art Center places a great deal of focus on academic learning, many of the activities and projects are fostered by creativity; focusing on the concept that learning extends beyond a traditional classroom.
“We do many activities that require kids to use their imagination and creativity skills, utilizing different supplies around the classroom to create their own unique masterpieces,” said NWBRV’s Art Center Site Coordinator Samantha Smith.
From building their own two-dimensional houses on a canvas with pipe-cleaners, to “Try-it Tuesdays” where the children are encouraged to try new or unfamiliar things, students are consistently given the opportunity to put their creative skills to the test.
“We are always trying to provide opportunities that encourage kids to try or learn new things,” Sam said.
Valentine’s Day at the Art Center this year was celebrated during a “Try-it Tuesday”, where students prepared and sampled chocolate covered strawberries. In addition to students participating in the activity themselves, they also arranged the desserts into a Valentine’s Day gift for a family member or someone special to them. Other “Try-it Tuesdays” have included sampling a variety of other fruits, including kiwi, dragon fruit, and star fruit, as well as making yogurt parfaits.
“As the Site Coordinator of the Art Center, I think that one of my most important jobs is to acknowledge that I’m not just working with kids, but that I have the honor of working with future artists, entrepreneurs, directors, doctors, etc.” Sam said. “I would love for kids to learn at the Art Center how worthwhile and capable they are of doing great things for themselves and their future, which are the type of leaders this world needs!”
Current Art Center Students
“We are so eager to share our space and learning opportunities with more kids and we hope to welcome more future leaders in the near future!”
Samantha Smith, Art Center Site Coordinator
We accept DHS vouchers through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). We are also available to assist parents in applying for scholarships through the Cabrini Fund.
To inquire about Art Center enrollment, please contact program manager, Flore Rateau frateau@neighborworksbrv.org or 401-257-6219 ext. 232.
For more information on the Art Center and our College Ready Communities, please visit: http://neighborworksbrv.org/community-engagement/youth-programs-yrap/.
