Arts Learning

PATCKids Arts Learning project with the North Minneapolis Jerry Gamble Boys and Girls Club offered twelve youth, ages 9-12, the opportunity to learn photography during a two-week summer program that focused on sports and motion. We taught the basics of digital photography and composition while providing on-site experiences students would not normally have access to; capturing motion through consistent educational art activities during our tour of Target Field and a Minnesota Twins game. Our program gave students at Jerry Gamble Boys and Girls Club the opportunity to broaden their idea of community through a visual medium they never had the opportunity to work with before. Ultimately, students left our program with the confidence to pursue photographer, equipped with the skills required to reach their individual goals. 2: PATCKids’ relationship with the Jerry Gamble Boys and Girls Club resulted in two successful programs in 2013, with the second program doubling the number of students we served in the first. We eliminated the barriers of equipment costs, program supplies, instructors, and access to facilities. By using the transportation already in place from the Boys and Girls Club, we were able to bring the students to a variety of Minneapolis sites to capture motion and sports. When we put cameras in the hands of youth, surrounding them with instructors and mentors, we provided students with the support they needed to feel safe, confident, and successful. Students were encouraged to expand their vision and think outside of the box to reach their individual, creative potential. Evaluation tools such as artist statements, questionnaires, and daily interaction helped us encourage creative expression. Kendale’s statement from our tour day demonstrates this success: This was the best day I ever had!