I know  this revelation has happened to all of us at one time or another, where we decide, “enough is enough, I can do better.” It happened to me in the eighth grade,  when I faced my fear of public speaking and shyness around people. I am not completely over it. I have relapses once in a while, because basically, I’m a shy person. But I have discovered that the mere fact that a person makes the decision “to flip the switch” and makes a conscience effort to change, the world opens up, and they see things differently.

The ARTree has seen this first hand with students that lack the confidence to explore without any boundaries. By boundaries, I don’t mean boundaries of classroom, but boundaries students seem to place on their abilities. These are self- imposed boundaries.

Our instructors are encouraged to spend time developing art projects. They then give the student instruction on the materials they use and how they work.

Then comes the fun part. Student are set free to explore the materials and different methods of working.

Our instructors have witnessed first -hand some beautiful transformations. Students of all ages building confidence and yes, they have even “Flipped the Switch.”

The ARTree offers many opportunities for “flipping the switch”.

Our instructors try to set the children up for success in every single project.

Bob Hernandez

President

The ARTree Community Arts Center

A ballet slipper can become a formal place setting, patent leather shoes can sprout flowers, and a tennis shoe can make a statement about the environment. The artists can wander down whatever creative path their mind (and shoe) takes them, limited only by their imagination.

The road to success can be strolled as a couple or caravanned with the entire family. Whether you take this trail alone or with friends, your shoe leads to creative vista that far exceeds the leather, rubber, and cloth of this common and ever-present piece of everyday attire.

Jeff Barber, City of Santa Clarita coordinator for Art Slam!, requested that The ARTree recreate this project for the April event, rebranded as “Green Slam” for this month’s theme of environmental awareness and repurposing  everyday items in  new and interesting ways.

Thursday’s event will once again feature local artists, food trucks, music, and hands-on creative activities.  Participation in the Great Shoe Project is free, with creative materials provided by The ARTree. You can bring your own shoe to decorate, or pick up one from those donated by ARTree patrons.

When your shoe is completed, you can either bring it home with a donation that supports arts education in Santa Clarita, or bid via silent auction on one of over a dozen “shoe projects”  done by artists from around Santa Clarita. Be fleet of feet and bring a shoe along with your creativity to Thursday, April 4th, Great Shoe Project at Art Slam.

Noel Bermudez

ARTree Board member

The ARTree spring classes at the SCSC Activities Center are full.  Described in Santa Clarita’s Seasons Magazine as “The best way to find the creative YOU is to experience lots of different styles and techniques in both visual and performing arts,” these six weekly classes will give students a hands-on experience in water color, collage, sculpture, dance, music and storytelling. Dianne Foderaro, ARTree board member and education chair, is pleased that the response to the spring art sampler class is overwhelming. “Not only are our 14 spaces taken, but we have a waiting list,” said Foderaro at a recent board meeting.

Designed for students 8 to 12 years of age, The classes will be held on consecutive Thursdays from April 11 to May 16, at 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Classes are conducted by ARTree volunteer teachers and assistants, who provide the open, creative and nurturing environment that young artists need to gain confidence in themselves to express their creative ability, and to develop both as artists and individuals.  “We believe that every child has creative ability in them that only needs an outlet to be released,” said ARTree president Bob Hernandez. By having each artist give an original interpretation from each artistic medium provided in the classes, the joy and satisfaction that students receive using their own imagination is what Hernandez feels is unique about The ARTree experience.

As with past ARTree learning programs, the last session will include a celebration where parents are invited to view the completed works from the entire series of classes. Students share their works with all visiting parents, highlighting the variety, progress and growth through the weeks. Both Hernandez and Foderaro feel that this final celebration is important for both parents and students as recognition of the heart and soul each artist puts into their work. In addition to the visual art, the celebration will have either a dance, music or storytelling session to highlight the performance aspect of the classes.

For those who are unable to attend the Activities Center spring classes, The ARTree will soon announce summer classes at the new Canyon Country Community Center. Class details will be announced in the coming weeks.