Youth Opportunities in the Arts at Arts Hub
Have you ever wondered what goes on at Arts Hub Brockville’s youth program YOA?
Youth Opportunities in the Arts provides youth ages 10-35 with workshops, events, and projects related to the visual and performing arts free of charge.
You might have seen the Arts Hub Calendar feature YOA Karaoke Nights, Art Workshops, Paint-Ins, Acting workshops, and Performances. Maybe you’ve attended one of their free shows in our Main Space like Gilbert & Sullivan Rock or the recent student performance based on Wicked! Programs are designed for youth to foster creativity, and provide professional instruction.
YOA / BOS Wicked Dance Presentation
What’s the origin of Youth Opportunities in the Arts? Brockville musician, conductor, and educator, Judith Quick, explains that YOA started over ten years ago, when a group of people looking at arts programs in the schools, realized there were increasingly fewer opportunities for arts education and experiences for students.
The result was YOA —offering alternative arts opportunities for student enrichment in a safe, non-judgemental and inclusive space. The bonus is the professional instruction and mentorship offered by volunteers who created the program: Harold Hess, Bob Shackles, Chris Coyea, Cathy TeKamp, and Judith Quick. Other community educators and professionals like Lisa Leroux, Alex Fleuriau Chateau, Todd Noel may come on board for special projects. And students who have benefitted from YOA’s amazing instruction over the years, now help lead and assist in other student projects!
YOA also helps youth develop life skills. Participants can explore the arts of cooking and baking with a popular food preparation program led by Cathy TeKamp and Judy Quick.
Meet the YOA Board of Directors
On the first Monday evening of the month from 6 pm-7:30 pm YOA presents Youth Art! This free visual art program offers a chance to explore art and express your creative side with all artistic levels welcome. Come explore a variety of mediums/media/styles with a period of instruction every night. Materials are provided, or you can bring your own. Paint-friendly clothes not a bad idea. And refreshments are provided. For more information see our events calendar or you can email: youthopportunitiesinthearts@gmail.com
YOA energy helps make Arts Hub Brockville an incubator for artists and creatives to connect. A place where writers, dancers, actors, directors, singers, and visual artists have a chance to learn and shine.
Networks for all ages are building within the growing arts community of Brockville!
Arts Hub Brockville — an affordable, accessible ...and professional space for creative endeavours for everyone.
Article written by Lois Lorimer