Centrum’s programs for young artists are designed to accelerate the artistic development of your child. The model for our elementary and middle school programs is to have artists and scientists, engaged in the most current cultural issues of our times, mentor young people in grades 5-9, as well as the adult chaperones (parents) and teachers who accompany them. Summer programs and our high school programs do not have the chaperone requirement. Students come on their own and are supervised by experienced staff.
The artist faculty at Centrum is comprised of accomplished, professional artists, who push your child to higher levels of achievement. We seek out artists who encourage and inspire students, while treating them with respect as creative learners. Our aim is to challenge students to strengthen both artistic techniques and critical thinking skills
This process empowers students as they begin to define themselves both socially and artistically. Increased self-confidence encourages students to “be who they really are,” and in many cases be more than they thought they could be.
“I learned how to not be afraid to try something new and that I can be whatever I want to be, if I put my mind to it.”
---Alison Kiva, Explorations participant from Gault Middle School, Tacoma, WA
Centrum provides a completely hands-on experience outside the traditional classroom. Darcy Herrett, visual arts teacher at Woodward Middle School on Bainbridge Island says:
“The time I have spent at Centrum during the middle school creativity workshop has fueled me throughout the year, every year. I get to experience how education is meant to be: three dimensional and individually focused. It is Outward Bound for the creative mind and spirit.”
Centrum is a non-profit, artist-centered organization with a 35-year partnership with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The safety and comfort of your children is our highest priority. Meals at Fort Worden State Park feature locally-grown, organically-produced food prepared to the highest standards. Students are housed in historic Fort buildings renovated as dormitories, and we provide experienced dorm counselors for supervision during non-teaching times.
