Wed, 12/05/2018 - 12:45

Youth artists from left to right, Isiah Chase, Heather Stephenson, Philomena Marsh, Laura Boutin and Matthew Thomas Young. Students discuss composition, art and improvisation at partnering site the Center for Maine Contemporary Art’s ArtLab in downtown Rockland as a base for experiential and contemporary work in the arts. (Photos courtesy of Arts in Action)

Youth mural artists Kayla Betts (left), Eliza Fournier (center) and Liam Burlingham practice design and technique on a large abstract painting at partnering site, Flanagan Community Building, in downtown Rockland. Oceanside Middle schoolers in Arts with Heart will be creating murals for several sites across the community including the Rockland Transfer Station and The Landing Place. (Photos courtesy of Arts in Action)

Youth artists Brayden Lawrence (left) and Jackson Russomano (right) are using different techniques to make duct tape animal sculptures. (Photos courtesy of Arts in Action)

ROCKLAND — Arts in Action workshops are off to a great start at RSU 13 schools with many returning youth artists and a lot of enthusiasm for this year’s projects and partnerships, according to a news release.

Arts with Heart, a program for students’ grades 6 - 8, teaches design and painting techniques to create large murals. Current mural projects partners include the Rockland Transfer Station and The Landing Place.

This year-long program focuses on collaborative mural work and creating one-of-a-kind beautification pieces while also creating opportunities for youth artists to showcase and share their talents in actionable ways by coupling fine arts education with community arts projects.

Arts with Heart is hosted by the Flanagan Community Building/YMCA.

Arts @ Work, a year-long mentorship program for students’ grades 9-12, aims to deepen artistic learning, enhance student portfolios, introduce the skills and practices of community studio arts, and arts administration.

The mentorship program is hosted by the Center for Maine Contemporary Art’s ArtLab. Both Arts with Heart and Arts@Work are instructed by Alexis Iammarino.

Art Club, a program for students’ grades 4-5, encourages students to use a variety of art topics to create their own, unique projects. Each week, new techniques and lessons on using new materials are introduced so students can give form to their artistic ideas.

Art Club is hosted by Thomaston Grammar School and instructed by Cynthia McGuirl.

After-School Arts Programs are offered by RSU 13 Adult and Community Education to create opportunities for youth artists to showcase and share their talents in actionable ways by partnering fine arts education with community arts and service learning projects.