ArtReach

I like art class because it makes me be more creative, I can express myself in art.

ArtReach student: Tori at Concord Community Center

ArtReach makes me feel confident about myself.

ArtReach student: Kelcie from Concord Community Center

ArtReach is a neighborhood-based arts education program serving youth ages 5—18 living in underserved areas throughout the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Since 1989, the ArtReach program has provided multi-service, community and family centers, churches, schools, and housing cooperatives with year-round art instruction facilitated by professional artists. Artists visit these sites lending their skills and talents to the children while serving as caring adult role models.

The year-round program is broken up into three semesters (fall, spring and summer). Each semester is made up of 12—15 weeks of instruction depending upon the needs of the site. One day per week, an artist visits the site for two hours to provide quality visual art instruction after school. Artists instruct students in a variety of media while using Discipline Based Arts Education, a method of teaching that engages the students in the production of a piece of art as well as art history and culture, aesthetics and critique.

Students from each partner site participate in the Annual Michael Carroll ArtReach Exhibition, an opportunity for students to have their work professionally displayed in the galleries at the Art Center. An exhibition opening and celebration allows students to bring their families and friends to view their work and celebrate their creativity.

For more information about ArtReach contact the ArtReach Manager, Michelle Winkelman at 317.255.2464, ext. 232 or via e-mail at MWinkelman@IndplsArtCenter.org.

ArtReach Accolades

  • Indiana Youth Institute’s Investment in Youth Award (2005)
  • Congressional Salute from Julia Carson (2005)
  • Mayor’s Proclamation making March 22, 2005 ArtReach Day in Indianapolis
  • Certificate of Excellence from President Clinton’s Committee on the Arts (2002)
  • Semifinalist, National Endowment for the Arts Coming Up Taller Award (2002)