The Youth Art, Music, and Culture Project encompasses several programs generated for and appealing to younger members of our community. Programs include The Young Arts Club, The Middle/High School Art After School Program, Poetry Program, and the Land Grant Summer Outreach Program.
The Young Arts Club meets once weekly in MMAC’s Community Studio on Fridays from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (alternating Fridays between the 10-14 and 15-24 age groups, if necessary). The club offers children and younger community members a safe, comfortable place where they can enjoy each other’s company in an imaginative and productive setting. Social distancing and mask requirements are followed, while members connect creatively, learning a variety of culturally-expressed and socially-shared artistic techniques. Young Arts Club members are invited and do attend You Are the Artist Workshops.
Karen Smith, Program Director
(Mountainair Public Elementary, Middle and High Schools)
The Art After School program, launched in 2019, taught Culinary Arts and Paint Pouring during the first year. Classes beginning in October 2020 will complete the scheduled workshops postponed in March due to COVID-19. Program details are available through the school system in the Fall.
Anne Ravenstone, Elementary Program Director
Karen Smith, Middle/High School Project Director
(Mountainair Public Elementary, Middle and High Schools)
The Poetry Program, created in 2019, is well-integrated into the Mountainair Public School English and writing classes. Poets from diverse backgrounds and styles offer spoken word performances, workshops, discussions, and examples. The program includes a popular spoken word event where students perform original and selected works. Program details are available through the school system.
Karen Smith, Project Director
Founded in 2011, this program exemplifies the collaborative diversity between the Land Grants of Manzano, Torreón, Tajique, Chilili, and the Manzano Mountain Art Council. The success of this program is primarily due to the embrace and support of the Land Grant families. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions postponing the 2020 summer schedule, the Land Grants are prepared to assume the future direction of this steadfast program with support from MMAC.
Karen Smith, Project Director
This program introduces local and regional artists and their chosen medium to the Manzano Mountain community. MMAC provides access to resources and materials for adults and youth to delve into various art forms. Artist instructors give an overview of the art form and guide participants through the basic steps. You are the Artist is an opportunity for attendees to meet artists and learn new art skills.
This highly successful program has attracted participants of all ages and backgrounds since its inception. Community members frequently inquire about the next program and artist. Several workshops have spun-off, establishing a group interested in a particular art form after learning the basics at a You are the Artist event.
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MMAC expanded the program to online video instruction while gathering at in-person workshops when possible. The artist-led workshops are approximately 3 hours in length and usually cost $5.00 to attend. There is no cost to view You are the Artist videos.
Find upcoming workshops on our website or in the MMAC Facebook events.
Pat Havens, Program Director
