Here’s a detailed plan for in-person classes inspired by the mission of Voices on Canvas and designed to empower youth through art, community engagement, and storytelling:

Program Overview

Title: Voices on Canvas: Youth Art & Advocacy Workshops

Goal: To inspire youth to use art and storytelling as tools to express themselves, address community issues, and foster social change.

Target Audience: Youth ages 10-18, with a focus on underrepresented communities.

Duration: 8-week program with weekly 2-hour sessions (customizable).

Class Structure

Each class combines creative practice, community awareness, and skill-building. Here’s a sample outline:

Week 1: Introduction & Inspiration

• Theme: Finding Your Voice Through Art
• Activities:
  • Icebreaker: Collaborative mural painting (each student contributes a piece about themselves).
  • Presentation: Famous art and advocacy examples (e.g., murals, protest posters, community art projects).
  • Reflection: Students brainstorm local issues they feel passionate about.
• Outcome: Students identify their personal and community themes.

Week 2: Exploring Storytelling through Art

• Theme: Telling a Story with Color and Form
• Activities:
  • Workshop: Using shapes, colors, and symbols to express emotions and ideas.
  • Exercise: Create a small painting or sketch inspired by a personal story.
  • Discussion: Share pieces in small groups and explain the stories behind them.
• Outcome: Students connect storytelling with visual expression.

Week 3: Community Perspectives

• Theme: Listening to Our Community
• Activities:
  • Field Activity: Visit a local landmark or community site for inspiration.
  • Interview Exercise: Pair students to practice capturing community stories from peers or community members.
  • Reflection: Sketch ideas based on community themes.
• Outcome: Students link art projects to real-world community narratives.

Week 4: Experimenting with Mediums

• Theme: Exploring Techniques and Tools
• Activities:
  • Hands-On: Experiment with different mediums (acrylics, watercolor, digital art tablets, collage materials).
  • Skill Workshop: Basics of blending colors, creating textures, or digital editing.
  • Activity: Start a project using a chosen medium that addresses a community issue.
• Outcome: Students expand their artistic toolkit.

Week 5-6: Project Development

• Theme: Creating for Change
• Activities:
  • Studio Time: Students work on their art pieces with mentor guidance.
  • Feedback: Peer and mentor reviews to refine works.
  • Optional: Invite guest speakers (local artists or activists).
• Outcome: Students complete 70-80% of their final project.

Week 7: Final Touches & Story Presentation

• Theme: Bringing It All Together
• Activities:
  • Finishing: Add final details and polish projects.
  • Presentation Workshop: Practice sharing the story behind their art.
  • Group Critique: Supportive discussion about each other’s work.
• Outcome: Students prepare their art for the showcase.

Week 8: Art Showcase & Community Celebration

• Theme: Voices Amplified
• Activities:
  • Art Exhibit: Display student work in a gallery-style setup (partner with a community center or library).
  • Presentations: Students share the inspiration behind their projects with attendees.
  • Community Activity: Invite families and community members to contribute to a collective mural.
• Outcome: Celebrate student creativity and amplify their voices to the community.

Materials & Logistics

• Materials Needed:
  • Art supplies: Paint, brushes, canvases, markers, paper, digital tablets (if available).
  • Easels, aprons, and storage for student works-in-progress.
  • Projector for presentations and guest speaker sessions.
• Classroom Setup:
  • Tables and chairs arranged for collaborative work.
  • Display area for inspiration pieces and student progress.
  • Calm music for creative focus sessions.

Budget Considerations

• Costs:
  • Art supplies: $500–$1,000 (depending on class size and medium).
  • Venue: Partner with schools, community centers, or libraries to minimize cost.
  • Guest speakers/workshop leaders: Allocate funds for stipends ($50–$100 per session).
• Funding:
  • Seek grants from arts organizations or local government programs.
  • Partner with local businesses for sponsorships (e.g., art stores).
  • Charge a small fee per participant (if applicable) with scholarships for those in need.

Program Impact

• Builds confidence and self-expression through art.
• Helps students develop critical thinking about community issues.
• Strengthens youth connections to their community and peers.
• Provides tangible, creative pieces students can showcase in portfolios or events.

Would you like further details on any specific activity or advice on getting started?