Youth can pursue their creative talents with professional artists through a series of free workshops supported by The Seattle Public Library, Seattle Parks & Recreation, Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning, and Seattle Together.

“Creative Advantage ALL ACCESS Arts Stream” features dance, art and poetry workshops for youth presented by teaching artists from Pacific Northwest Ballet, Arts Corps, TeenTix, and Seattle Arts & Lecture’s Writers in the Schools program. The Vera Project is providing youth-made music, graphic design, screen-printed facemasks, and streaming support. The Seattle Public Library is also supporting career-connected learning experiences for Black, Indigenous, Latino and youth of color as part of this effort.

The workshops are free, but registration is required. Each participant will receive a free face mask from The Vera Project. Workshop information and registration links are provided below.

SCHEDULE

3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16 -  Poetry: The Magic in Our Special Places (Grades 2 to 5)

  • In a time of disruption and confinement, poetry can be a great tool for grounding youth in what is magical and unique about a space they love. Teaching artist Jay Thompson of Seattle Arts & Lectures’ Writers in the Schoools program will guide students to see home through fresh eyes or imaginatively evoke a distant place using their five senses, their memory, and their observational powers. Registration

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17 - Teen Night with TeenTix  (Grades 8 and up)

  • Hosted by young folx from TeenTix and teaching artist Alethea Alexander, this virtual Teen Night includes a screening of a performance from a local arts organization and a facilitated conversation and reflection activity on what you just saw. An opportunity for teens to continue to experience amazing local performances and connect! Registration

3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18 - Dancing Our Natural World (Grades 2 to 4) 

  • Movement can share and express what you know, think, and feel. Join teaching artist Adriana Hernandez-Wright of Pacific Northwest Ballet in using nature and our physical world as inspiration for movement. Registration  

10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 19 - Pop-Up Books and Paper Magic  (Grades 3 to 6) 

  • Learn how to cut and fold paper to create 2D and 3D shapes with teaching artist Jiéyì Ludden of Arts Corps. Together, you’ll explore design strategies, crafting, and storytelling in an inclusive environment. Registration