Maggie Smith, U of A Mentors, and ART/Works! Interns Draven Fields, Bug Nesbitt, Sophia Condray, Mullen Park, Siberia Hull, and Valeria Salto standing outside the Faulkner Performing Arts Center on February 20, 2023.
The Faulkner Performing Arts Center and Center for Children and Youth collaborate on ART/Works!, a visual and performing arts vocational training platform, and the Women’s Giving Circle supports a pilot program. More hands-on events are planned for the U of A Department of Music’s SHE Festival, a celebration and concert series at the Faulkner Performing Arts Center this weekend.
Six students from Fayetteville High School began a 60-hour training program on February 13, meeting mentors in the community and receiving guidance from college students and professionals alike. All students are veterans of the Breakfast Club Arts Integration Program, which started at Lamay Middle School in 2015 and won the Governor’s Arts Award in 2020. The Women’s Giving Circle could see what I did: By giving children meaningful vocational training that leads to their creativity, they grow. Art/Works! It’s a logical and powerful extension of our after-school program,” says Martha Sandven, founder of the Breakfast Club Arts Integration Program at Lamay Middle School and Fayetteville High School.
The Breakfast Club veterans move easily between works of art and works of art. “I was always told that having a network is a good thing in the field of work…Having only done this program for a short time, I can say that it is true.I already had a network at the Faulkner Center. I got a job there after this internship,” says Bug, a senior in high school. “Knowing what an internship can teach you makes it a lot less stressful going into the tech field as a lighting designer.”
Maggie Smith, a senior at U of A and a double major in International Global Studies and Theater Performance, brings her skills as a photographer and mentor to the programme. “The opportunity to see young artists and connect with them brings me joy and hope. It’s unlike any other program.”
One aspect of the internship is the creation of a collaborative work of art in Northwest Arkansas that celebrates diversity and showcases the individuals who contribute to the region’s cultural richness. Interns interviewed faculty and student performers and took portrait photographs. These will be exhibited in the gallery during the SHE Festival. “By talking to bilingual people, I was able to get to know them better and understand the true feelings of issues around women and music. You will be able to express your feelings and emotions more freely,” says Valeria. Salto, an interview with ART/Works! intern Professor Catalina Ortega.
Art/Works! The intern was a member of his crew at his concert with Aubrey Logan on February 24th. “We are thrilled to provide the space and opportunity for students in our community to develop much-needed job skills.We are grateful for the initial seed funding from the Women’s Giving Circle. .We hope to gain more support so that we can expand this internship.Contribute to our local workforce while lifting students who might otherwise not have such opportunities. .”
FHS Junior Sophia Condray can’t wait to do more technical theater work. She is very grateful for the opportunities provided by the Women’s Giving Circle. “From my days at The Breakfast Club, I have learned that I am open and able to share my creativity with others who share their ideas through art and theater. I believe there are great things out there: the community, and someday, hopefully the world.”
The interns will work on crew and house management for the SHE Festival show on Sunday, March 12th. Starting at 5pm, there will be a reception featuring art created and curated by ART/Works. Snacks for interns, artists, musicians and guests. Everyone is welcome. See the full schedule of SHE Festival activities.
