Young People's Program - 2010

A multi-arts program, for young people ages 5-14, that offers students an opportunity to work with highly experienced staff in a low key nurturing environment.

A * indicates a series of workshops which provides a reduced fee per workshop.

All Programs will take place at the Becket Arts Center unless otherwise stated.


Scholarships

Scholarships are limited and are for full-time Hilltown residents

Scholarship Application for: Puppetry, Families Dance Together at the Pillow, Shakespeare in Becket and Camp Imagination can be found on the registration page.  

Mail as early as possible to: BAC Scholarships, 12 Brooker Hill Road, Becket, MA 01223

Return to top of Page

Camp Imagination

For young people who love to play with their imagination and be engaged in a different art form each day of the week.

Monday August 2 - Friday August 6 • 9:30am – 12:30pm
(except for Workshops at Pat’s Garden meet at the BAC at 9:15am Thursday, August 5 (ages 9-14) Friday, August 6 (Ages 5-8))

Site: Most of the Workshops will take place at the Becket Arts Center or across the street at the Becket Federation Church.
Limit: 10 (Ages 5-8)        14 (Ages 9-14)
Registration for the week including material fees: $80; Non-Members: $100

Limited Scholarships are available for Hilltown Residents.

Monday, August 2 • 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Paint, Collage & Paint Some More!!

Ages 5 - 8
at the Becket Federation Church

Paint, collage, and paint some more! Children will create small paintings, big paintings, round paintings and tall paintings! Color mixing, composition, and exploration of shapes, strokes, and patterns will be introduced. Add collage to a painting and see what happens!! Explore, experiment, create, enjoy!

Abby DuBow is a practicing artist and art educator. She received her B.A. from Bennington College and her M.A. from Bank Street School of Education. She has been an art teacher for over 30 years and has taught all ages from 3 year olds to adults.

Pinhole Photography and Art Making

Ages 9-14
Limit 15
the Becket Arts Center

Students will look at a selection of pinhole camera images from various artists, then make their own camera using simple materials. They will use their camera to take photographs of whatever interests them. Art materials will be provided to create images based on they saw in their camera. Pinhole camera images will be developed in time for viewing on Thursday, August 5 when the students participate in a Garden Journey. Once in the Garden, among other activities, they will use their pin-hole cameras to record what interests them. Selected images will be exhibited at our 8th Annual Student Arts Festival.

Jonathan Schwartz, exhibiting photographer in the Berkshires who loves to work with young people.

Joan L. Davidson, artist and art educator (K-College) for over 30 years has taught Art in New York City Public Schools, and at New York University. Joan is President of the Becket Arts Center.


Return to top of Page

Tuesday, August 3 • 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Marmalade Puppet Creations

Ages 5 - 8
at the Becket Federation Church

Finger puppets take the Art Center by storm as the hands of young puppeteers create and explore the inside and outside space around them. Adorned with their own finger puppet people, animals and creatures from there imaginations.

Meredyth Babcock is the Artistic Director of Marmalade Productions (www.marmaladeproductions.com ). She performs and conducts workshops for libraries and schools throughout New England. Her newest show, THE WATERSHED WALTZ, is full of original music, story telling, puppets and watershed wisdom. She can be reached at meredythbabcock@hotmail.com.


Painted Paper Collage

Ages 9-14
Limit 14
the Becket Arts Center

Create imaginary animal or underwater scenes using painted paper and a variety of other materials.

Lorraine Klagsbrun is an artist and an art instructor living in New York City and Becket. She was an Instructor and Assistant Director of Education at the QMA for 17 years. Her collages, woodcut prints and paintings have been widely exhibited throughout New York and Massachusetts.


Return to top of Page

Wednesday, August 4 • 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Image Making with Light & Art Materials

Ages 5 - 8
the Becket Arts Center (Downstairs)

I Students will be introduced to one of the earliest photographic processes – cyanoprints. by looking at cyanoprints. Students will then make their own cynoprints by placing objects on light sensitive paper, exposing the paper to sunlight (or an artificial light source if weather does not permit), and then developing the exposed paper using water. Each student will have the opportunity to make several images. We will look at each others images and discuss them as a group. Cynoprint images and personal ideas will be the basis for art work. Selected images will be exhibited at our 8th Annual Student Arts Festival.

Jonathan Schwartz, exhibiting photographer in the Berkshires who loves to work with young people.

Joan L. Davidson, artist and art educator (K-College) for over 30 years has taught Art in New York City Public Schools, and at New York University. Joan is President of the Becket Arts Center.



BE THE PEOPLE!: Creating Characters through Creative Drama

Ages 9-14
Limit 14
the Becket Arts Center (Upstairs)

While making up stories inspired by paintings and photographs, we will create characters who come alive in real and outrageous ways. Exploratory theatre games using simple props, costume pieces, sound, movement and role play will help us stretch our imaginations.

Dorothy Napp Schindel is a nationally recognized teacher of theater and creative drama ( K- College). A long time director and scenic designer, she taught acting at NYU, was Director of DramaMUSE Associates - a company that created theater for museums, was Director of Education at Berkshire Theater Festival and producer of the BTF Children's Theater Under the Tent. Ms. Schindel, a specialist in theater for and/or by youth, is co-author of the award winning Pioneer Journeys: Drama in Museum Education and Drama Activities for K-6 Students: Creating Classroom Spirit.


Return to top of Page

Thursday, August 5 • 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
(age 9-14 meet at 9:15)

Rhythm Tap Dance: The Art of Sound and Movement Combined

Ages 5 - 8
the Becket Arts Center (Upstairs)

Using the basic sounds, steps and movements associated with the American vernacular art form of Tap Dance, we will create fun and worldly rhythmic patterns with our feet, hands and hearts. Find the different colors of the beat. Make music out of noise.
(Tap shoes are helpful yet not necessary, some shoes will be provided.)

Stefanie Weber is a freelance dance artist that specializes in Rhythm Tap Dance. She is alum of the Jazz Tap Residency (under the guidance of masters Dianne Walker and Jimmy Slyde) and the Jacob's Pillow School. Stefanie performs with the Commonwealth Tap Collective and her ensemble Creatures of Habitat. She is an avid multi-movement-media creator, educator and performer.

 

A Garden Journey with Pinhole Cameras

Ages 9-14
Limit 14
Site: Garden of Pat Parkins
Students will meet at the Becket Arts Center at 9:15am and Pat will lead students and parents to her garden.

Experience the garden with your eyes, hands, ears and taste. Record the landscape, plant life, animals (chickens, roosters) and insects you see with a camera. Learn photography techniques to communicate the special qualities of your subject. Select flowers, buds, leaves and press them as part of a book of images that will document your journey.

Pat Parkins, early childhood educator and owner of Gardens of the Goddess, an organic fine gardening business in Becket for 17 years. She designs, installs and maintains ornamental, vegetable, fruit and herb gardens using organic products and practices in pest and microbial control, soil amending, plant fertilizing and seed selection.

Jonathan Schwartz, exhibiting photographer in the Berkshires who loves to work with young people.

Return to top of Page


Friday, August 6 • 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
(age 5-8 meet at 9:15)


A Garden Experience

Ages 5 - 8
Site: Garden of Pat Parkins
Students will meet at the Becket Arts Center at 9:15am and Pat will lead students and parents to her garden.

Enter the garden with quiet voices and open hearts as insects pollinate flowers, birds sample berries, squirrels and voles dash about. Watch the birds of prey fly overhead. Perhaps the glint of flower fairies will be in the white pines. Visit the hen house and meet Garuda, the rooster, who is a mythical steed of a hindu god -- such a huge bird he would block out the light of the sun. All of life and growth is magical. Celebrate this experience by creating a simple flower press, help weave a story as we enjoy a snack from the garden's bounty, and share your art camp experiences with classmates and family.

Pat Parkins, early childhood educator and owner of Gardens of the Goddess, an organic fine gardening business in Becket for 17 years. She designs, installs and maintains ornamental, vegetable, fruit and herb gardens using organic products and practices in pest and microbial control, soil amending, plant fertilizing and seed selection.

Beginning Holography

Ages 9-14
Limit 14
the Becket Arts Center (Upstairs)

Simple hands-on hologram making. A hologram is a fully dimensional image captured by coherent laser light. Using a reference beam the angles of light from the object are coded into a microscopic interference pattern exposed onto light sensitive film plates. Using small vibration isolated slabs, diode lasers will light bright low-relief sculptural objects improvised by each student. After developing the exposed holographic plates, the three dimensional image can be reconstructed with sunlight.

Don Thornton is currently senior adjunct faculty at RISD, he has taught holography as an art medium for decades at RISD and Brown University. He has degrees from Hamilton, RISD (European Honors Program) and MIT (Center for Advanced Visual Studies).

Return to top of Page


8^th Annual Young People’s Arts Festival

Wednesday, August 11^th  • 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm 
Becket Arts Center

Enjoy art work created in the Young People’s workshops:
Talking with Images & Exploration and Learning Through Art and see a presentation by Marmalade Production’s Big Puppet Day puppeteers

Return to top of Page



Talking with Images
Tuesdays, July 6, 13, 20 • 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Rescheduled for Tuesday, July 27  

9:30am-12:30pm
Ages 9-14
Free Registration
Enrollment limit: 15

Students will create two and three-dimensional images in a variety of media that will reveal their interests and concerns.  Resources such as reproductions of artist’s work, newspaper articles, and exhibits at the Becket Arts Center will be examined. Work will be done outside, weather permitting. Presentation by each student at the end of each session about their working process and/or product will recognize and reinforce what has been accomplished.  Student art work and accompanying writing will be exhibited at our Student Arts Festival.

Joan L. Davidson, artist and art educator (K-College) for over 30 years has taught Art in New York City Public Schools, and at New York University.  Joan is President of the Becket Arts Center.

Return to top of Page



Exploration and Learning Through Art  
Tuesdays, July 6, 13, 20 • 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Ages 5-8
Free Registration
Enrollment limit: 12
Site: Becket Federated Church  - Community Room.  Meet at the Becket Arts Center

Every child can be creative and produce artwork that they can be proud of.  This class offers younger children the opportunity to explore a wide variety of materials while learning about famous artists.  Children will experiment with paint, oil pastel, collage, and construction.  Their finished work will be exhibited in a show at the Becket Arts Center.

Abby DuBow is a practicing artist and art educator. She has been an art teacher for over 30 years and has taught all ages from 3 year olds to adults. In New York City, she was the Head of the Art Department, Lenox School, NY, Art Teacher at the Fieldston School, Brooklyn Friends School and Teacher Trainer at the Bank Street College of Education. 

Return to top of Page

Marmalade Production's Big Puppet Day
Wednesday, August 11 • 9:30 am - noon and 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (lunch break 12-1pm; performance/sharing 3-4pm)

Ages 7 and up
Workshop Fee for the whole day!!!! 

Family = one household
Family of three or more children $20; Non-members $25
Adult $10; Non-members $15
One Child $10; Non-member $12
Family of two children $15; Non–members $20

Performance/Sharing free to the public at 3pm.  Come see what the workshop has produced!!

In the morning students will construct Shadow puppets that will explore some of the environmental challenges that our world is facing.  We will be exploring with shadow puppets what might be done both realistically and fantastically to aid our planet and its people.  Perhaps it is a story told by the survivors in the distant future praising the extraordinary and creative solutions found by the previous generations.  Vignettes will emerge and will be rehearsed in the afternoon.  Parents are invited to participate along side their creative children. The puppets will come alive in the afternoon as the young puppeteers work with professional puppeteer Meredyth Babcock. Together we will present a free performance/sharing at 3pm. for family and community members.

Meredyth Babcock  Is the Artistic Director of Marmalade Productions (www.marmaladeproductions.com).  She performs and conducts workshops for libraries and schools throughout New England.  Her newest show, THE WATERSHED WALTZ, is full of original music, story telling, puppets and watershed wisdom.  She can be reached at meredythbabcock@hotmail.com.

Return to top of Page

*Shakespeare in Becket
Julius Caesar: Thursday, July 15 and Tuesday, July 20  • 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm
The Tempest:  Thursday, July 29 and August 12 • 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm

Ages: 7-14
Site: Becket Arts Center Upstairs Gallery
Bring: Water, soft drinks, juice
Instructors: Shakespeare & Company Teaching Artists.
Fee $12; Non-members $15
Series of 4: $45; Non-members $55
Scholarships available primarily for year-round Hilltown residents

Shakespeare & Co artist/teachers will work with students in the BAC.  Students will play theatre skill games related to the world of the play, and learn the story of two of Shakespeare’s Plays through their own interactive performances.  Students will perform their short scenes for each other with minimal props and sound.  Sessions will end with a reflective exercise during which students recount surprises and delights of their experiences.  It may be possible for students to receive a voucher entitling them to attend the Sunday and Friday matinee of the performance free, accompanied by a parent who can attend at a reduced rate.  The scenes for each workshop, even though based on the same play, will be different.

Return to top of Page

*Fantasy Creatures in Clay

Saturdays, July 10, 17, 24 • 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Ages 9-14
Fee includes material cost: $12;  Non-members $15
Series of 3: $33; Non-members $42
Bring: Pictures and/or your imagination and a snack/drink.
Scholarships available primarily for year-round Hilltown residents
Enrollment limit: 12

With clay, myth and legend - centaurs, dragons, fairies, gargoyles, griffins, manticores, mermaids, minotaurs, and unicorns come alive. What you choose to do says something about you, but how it shapes up may come as a surprise!  Pieces can be fired after the drying out period following the last class.

Michel Paul Richard has d

egrees from New York University and the University of Chicago. His sculpture (in various media) is in several private collections and he has taught sculpture classes in Florida and Massachusetts.  Currently he serves as the Art Teacher of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires.

Return to top of Page



*Families Dance Together at the Pillow
Thursdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 and August 5, 12, 19  • 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Ages: 5-12 accompanied by an adult.

Site: Meet at Jacob's Pillow on the porch of Avnet House, across from the Tea Garden.  Wear loose clothing and bring a snack.

Per class fee with an adult:
Family = one household
One child  $10;   Non-members  $15
Family of two children $15;  Non-members $20
Family of more than two children $20; Non-members $25
Series of 7: $60; Non-members $95

Scholarships available primarily for year-round Hilltown residents

Come discover how simple movements can create an exciting dance.  Following class, hear a brief talk about the Inside/Out artists and then attend the free Inside/Out Performance from 6:30-7:20pm.

Jeff Bliss is a former member of the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange and was a faculty member of Lincoln Center Institute’s program in the schools.  He is a founding artist with the Wolftrap Institute for Early Learning through the Arts and continues to teach and perform Contact improvisation throughout the US.

Return to top of Page