Jim Boardman tells stories as "Ralphie the Obnoxious Dog" to Campfire kids at Cottonwood Recreation Area, Saylorville Lake. (Arts on the Go 2005)

Access to the arts for youth, particularly through the education system, is a key concern for Metro Arts. Our objective is to help nurture artistic talent and develop future audiences to sustain it. Our programs are described below.
 

Arts on Location   

Get Smart With the Arts

Described as a mini-residency, Arts on Location is an opportunity for artists to work within a school setting where they create a program to augment and enhance teachers' efforts and general curriculum. The workshops can be applied to all areas of study i.e. math, science, history, English, etc. "We want to break down the stereotype that art can only relate to art," says Outreach Coordinator, Elaine Olinger.  "Art can be applied to all aspects of life and study, ehancing the way we view and understand certain subject matters. We work with very talented artists who can adapt their programs for any classroom."  Although schools are the most common sites, residencies have also been sponsored through senior centers, parks and recreation departments and other non-profit groups. Click here to see the guidelines for the Arts on Location program.
 
Metro Arts Alliance can help you find an artist, performing group or special attraction for your school, community or private event, or a visual artist to create work for a personal or public location. Many fine artist members are included in our Arts on Location Artist Roster. All artists on the Roster met high standards of quality and appropriateness as judged by a panel through an audition process. There are more than 80 artists and arts groups in nine different disciplines: architecture, dance, history, literature, music, science, storytelling, theatre and visual arts. Schools, agencies and nonprofits interested in applying to participate in the Arts on Location program should complete an application form.
 

Metro Kids Arts Awareness (see schedule listed below)
Arts on Location's successes have led to another residency program. Set in the Des Moines Public Schools after-school day care centers, Metro Kids Arts Awareness provides interactive, hands-on arts education opportunities to children in after-school day care facilities who may otherwise miss these experiences. You may view the program brochure here.

Children have the oppotunity to partcipate in short-term or extended workshops.  Short-term workshops allow children to work with a different artist each week for their designated four-week program, experiencing various artistic disciplines.  Extended workshops give kids an opportunity to work over a four-week period with one artist on a progressive program, exploring the ins-and-outs of one particular art form.  Each workshop holds merit in that the short-term workshops allow kids to sample more art forms creating artistic interests in many avenues and extended workshops allowing artists to build stronger relationship with children helping in the retention of the art form presented.

Arts on the Go 2005

"Write Choices: Building Character Through the Arts"

Experience the arts in your local area this summer with Arts on the Go! Listen, learn and laugh with Central Iowa artists as they present a variety of free performances and hands-on activities at locations throughout Polk County. Arts on the Go activities are held Monday through Friday, June 22 to August 4 (no dates July 4 & August 1). All workshops, geared for kids 5-12 (unless otherwise specified) are FREE, but require parental supervision. This year's theme is "Write Choices: Building Character Through the Arts & Literacy." Kids can act, sing, dance, write poetry and songs and create artwork as they learn how imagination and creativity are important tools for building character essentials like respect, compassion and cooperation.

Arts on the Go Highlight Event

Sunshine SongTime

Get ready to rock and roll as Metro Arts and co-sponsor Des Moines Public Library Foundation welcome Des Moines native Justin Roberts to this year's Arts on the Go program, July 5-6. Justin, whose musical style is often compared to James Taylor, has recorded several best-selling CDs for children including Not Naptime , Yellow Bus and Great Big Sun . During the day, kids in grades 3-5 can learn the basics of songwriting from Justin at Arts On The Go workshops at the North Side, South Side and East Side Libraries. In the evenings, families can bring picnic baskets and blankets to one of Justin's special family concerts at the Forest Avenue (July 5) or Franklin Avenue (July 6) Library, where kids who attended Justin's Arts on the Go workshops receive special recognition from the artist.

Arts on the Go Highlight Event

Jazz Giants

New This Summer - Children and families can experience the explosive genius of some of America's most revered jazz pioneers with Metro Arts' Jazz Giants Series. This summer's series highlights the work of four jazz greats: Fats Waller, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Scott Joplin. In daytime Arts On The Go interactive workshops, kids will learn about the basics of jazz while being introduced to the work of a featured composer. In the evening, kids and adults alike can enjoy a free Jazz In July concert showcasing the works of that composer. Grab the family and gear up to tap your toes and open your ears to the groovy sounds of jazz.

Arts on the Go Highlight Event

Literacy Day

Arts on the Go Literacy Day blends fun hands-on interactive art and reading activities. The public is invited to join in the festivities July 20 (time TBA) at Jordan Creek Town Center - 101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines.   Artists featured at the event include Peggy Johnston master bookmaker; Norma Buehlmann, basket weaver extraordinaire; and Sharon Meisenheimer, dynamic retired reading educator.   Kids receive a special treat at the end of day and free books.