The Arts vs. Summer Slide

Leave a comment August 4, 2016 Amanda Roy

When we think of summer we often think about the beach, hot and humid weather, ice cream cones, and of course summer vacation. For teens, there are a number of ways to keep busy during their extended time away from school. Whether they choose to hit the pool, put in extra time at work, or play Pokemon Go, they are at risk of something called “summer slide.” Summer slide is the learning loss that occurs when school aged children and youth are not engaged in educational activities over the summer. This learning loss can potentially set students’ reading and math skills back by two to three months. Engagement in the arts can help prevent this loss and provide young people with an upper hand when they return to the classroom at the end of the summer.

How Neighborhood Studios Shaped Me As An Artist

2 Comments July 19, 2016 ghacguest

Gina Salvatore speaks at the Arts Council’s 2016 Annual Celebration

By Gina Salvatore

It’s hard to believe that my first day at Hartford Stage for Breakdancing Shakespeare was eight years ago. Yes, you read that correctly. Eight years. It has been an absolute whirlwind since that day but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Neighborhood Studios Part 6: Performing

5 Comments March 20, 2016 Amanda Roy

This post is the sixth in our Neighborhood Studios blog series to share the journeys of seven people who have participated in Neighborhood Studios, the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s summer teen apprentice program. Each one of their stories is a different perspective on the way this program can shape you and prepare you for your future career, college, and a life that’s connected to the arts. Each post will highlight a specific skill they gained or growth they experienced as an apprentice, as a teacher, or as a staff member.

Today we’ll meet Daisy Infantas, a Neighborhood Studios apprentice and student at the University of Hartford where she is studying Psychology. Daisy played the role of Ophelia in Hartford Stage’s Neighborhood Studio production of Hamlet.

Neighborhood Studios Part 5: Truth

5 Comments March 19, 2016 Amanda Roy

This post is the fifth in our Neighborhood Studios blog series to share the journeys of seven people who have participated in Neighborhood Studios, the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s summer teen apprentice program. Each one of their stories is a different perspective on the way this program can shape you and prepare you for college, your future career, and a life that’s connected to the arts. Each post will highlight a specific skill they gained or growth they experienced as an apprentice, as a teacher, or as a staff member.

Today we’ll meet Sten. Sten is a Junior at UCONN and a former Neighborhood Studios apprentices. In 2015, Sten returned to Neighborhood Studios to intern in the Mark Twain House’s Write to the Point! studio. 

Neighborhood Studios Part 4: Perspective

5 Comments March 17, 2016 Amanda Roy

This post is the fourth in our Neighborhood Studios blog series to share the journeys of seven people who have participated in Neighborhood Studios, the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s summer apprenticeship program for teens. Each one of their stories is a different perspective on the way this program can shape you and prepare you for your future career, college, and a life that’s connected to the arts. Each post will highlight a specific skill they gained or growth they experienced as an apprentice, as a teacher, or as a staff member.

Today we’ll meet Poppy. Poppy was a Neighborhood Studios apprentice in 2015 when she participated in the Mark Twain House’s Write to the Point creative nonfiction writing studio. Poppy assisted the Greater Hartford Arts Council by participated in an apprentice brainstorm to help plan the 2016 summer of Neighborhood Studios.

Neighborhood Studios Part 3: Self-Expression, Self-Reflection

5 Comments March 1, 2016 Amanda Roy

This post is the third in our Neighborhood Studios blog series to share the journeys of seven people who have participated in Neighborhood Studios, the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s summer teen apprentice program. Each one of their stories is a different perspective on the way this program can shape you and prepare you for your future career, college, and a life that’s connected to the arts. Each post will highlight a specific skill they gained or growth they experienced as an apprentice, as a teacher, or as a staff member.

Today we’ll meet Stacey Queen, Education Associate at the Amistad Center for Art & Culture. 2015 was Stacey’s first year as Studio Coordinator for the Amistad Center’s SNAP! Photography studio.

Neighborhood Studios Part 2: Independence

5 Comments February 20, 2016 Amanda Roy

This post is the second in our Neighborhood Studios blog series to share the journeys of seven people who have participated in Neighborhood Studios, the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s summer teen apprentice program. Each one of their stories is a different perspective on the way this program can shape you and prepare you for your future career, college, and a life that’s connected to the arts. Each post will highlight a specific skill they gained or growth they experienced as an apprentice, as a teacher, or as a staff member.

Today we’ll meet Molly McGuire, a former Neighborhood Studios apprentice who has returned to the program as a studio assistant at the Amistad Center for Art & Culture’s SNAP! Photography studio. Molly also serves as an intern for the Center as she completes her undergraduate degree in studio art with a concentration in ceramics.