Archbishop Curley Notre Dame Prep announces partnership with Arts for Learning (A4L) and will provide quality art instruction for students, in grades 6 to 9, commencing with summer art classes offered from June 17 to July 19, 2013. Three distinct 2D/3D mixed media courses will be offered over a five week period and the program will conclude with a student artist exhibition and portfolio review.

The camp’s goal is to increase students’ experience and exposure to the visual arts and provide a platform for them to exercise their creative and critical skills.  “Through A4L programs, students have the opportunity to understand, experience, create and connect art to other areas of learning,” explains Sheila Womble, A4L’s Executive Director.  “As such, A4L’s programs improve students’ technical skills within an artistic discipline as well as address other art skills such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and decision making. A4L programs also assist in improving students’ peer relations. These skills are essential for middle school students.”

Middle school students will develop skills under the tutelage of an A4L professional teaching artist staff, benefit from guest speakers, and tour area studios and galleries.  ACND Prep’s location just north of Miami’s Design District and Wynwood will allow easy access to galleries and studios for students to meet, learn, and connect with local artists.

“A4L is a resource and partner to all schools,” concludes Womble. “However, being located in the Wynwood Arts District, we are especially driven to start connecting with surrounding schools to help them better access their neighboring resources. We are impressed with Archbishop Curley’s vision and desire to expand its arts offerings to its students and could not be happier to partner on this effort.”

ACND Prep is the first Archdiocese of Miami middle and high school to offer an Arts for Learning program.  Established in 2001, A4L was primarily a three-way partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, and Young Audiences, Inc. (A4L’s national affiliate.)  Today, the non-profit organization is Miami’s leading source of arts integrated programs and delivers services to more than 6,000 children and youth in approximately 100 schools, preschools, after-school programs, and summer camps throughout Miami-Dade and Broward.

“We are excited to be the first Archdiocesan school to offer an Arts for Learning program,” says Douglas Romanik, ACND’s Principal.  “As we move forward with our 21st century learning plan that combines iPad technology with one on one methodology, I feel that it is only natural that we go even further and fully integrate the arts into our core curriculum. The summer visual arts program is just a small step towards our long term goals.”

For more information about the visual arts classes, as well as ACND Prep’s performing arts and sports camp, visit: www.acnd.net/SummerKnights, call 305.751.8367 *22 or email news@acnd.net. The camps cost $100.00 per week and discounts are available for advance, multiple week registration plus a registration fee of $50.00.