Student Mentor Program
“You know, conversation and learning go two ways. Mentors critique and encourage students, students inspire and teach artists.” Liz Hamlin, CAA Mentor Program
Three or four times a year, CAA Artist-Mentors get together with local high school students to discuss and critique the students’ artwork. Held after school in the Art Classroom, the meetings are a win-win situation for everyone. The dividends for the students are rich, enabling them to meet and get to know artists actively working in their mediums, and receive personal comments and encouragement about their art projects. For the artists, it’s a small time commitment and hugely rewarding. Many of the students go on to further success in their art education. The Mentors Program was started by Gail Merrick, Stanwood High School art teacher, because she recognized an incredible resource in her community that had not been tapped. Today, those CAA artists who are mentors consider it a “gift’ to be able to participate in the program; it continues to be a successful, dimensional aspect for the organization.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Camano Art Association’s annual scholarship program is designed to encourage and further the development of graduating high school seniors who are continuing their art education at a higher level. This involves a very competitive process. Application packets are available for interested seniors in late January. They have until March 15 to complete the packets and return them to their art instructors. A panel of judges, consisting of CAA members, reviews the applications and selects the winners(s) within 2 to 3 weeks of the March 15 deadline. Scholarships are awarded at the high school scholarship ceremony usually held in late May. The Camano Art Association recognizes that our students are an important element for the continued growth of art-related projects, activities and programs within the Stanwood Camano community.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
Numerous CAA artists contribute their work to be displayed in six local public locations. The advantages are obvious. The art enhances the display site and serves to educate the viewer; the display itself emphasizes the variety and wealth of creativity in the arts community. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES offers all artists, regardless of skill level, an opportunity to exhibit and possibly sell their work in a public venue.
How It Works: customized programs are designed to meet the needs of each venue. Some require a small display, others larger collections. Artists are alerted through announcements at CAA general meetings and by email. Drop-off and pick-up dates are also arranged through meeting announcements, by email and telephone. CAA members who volunteer for this committee learn event planning, how to hang exhibitions, develop curatorial skills and how to work successfully in a community setting…all valuable experiences.
Where do we exhibit? At this writing, our art is usually on display at the Stanwood Senior Center, Camano Senior & Community Center, Utsalady Elementary School and Elger Bay Elementary School. Artists participating in the elementary school program are asked to include a one- or two-sentence explanation describing their inspiration for the piece. Teachers often visit the exhibitions with their classes and discuss the art. Many classes write about the exhibitions; these are delightful and we enjoy receiving their comments. Other venues include the Stanwood Chamber of Commerce.
Four Springs Lake Preserve, part of the Island County Park system, is another public art display opportunity. The House and Meadow Room host 4 to 5 exhibitions annually; most of the artwork has a nature theme. The grounds are open to the public during regular park hours; exhibitions can also be seen by appointment. For more information, contact Four Springs Lake Preserve or call 360-387-1418.
CAA Art & News
Events Calendar
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