Our Programs
Snow City Arts currently offers arts instruction in the following disciplines at our partner hospitals. Our teaching artists are multidisciplinary and will tailor workshops to students’ needs, abilities, and interests.
Creative Writing
In our creative writing workshops, we use the written and spoken word to spark young imaginations. Students learn the power of self-expression through reading, writing, speaking and listening. We also integrate development of fluency, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary.
Every student’s writings are collected in a mini-anthology that they can share with family and friends. Long-term patients have been known to complete books containing up to 50 poems or short stories to take with them upon discharge.
At right: “The Sparkles of Will,” by Aaron, age 19. Based on a poem by N. Scott Momaday.
Dance
In our dance workshops, students create original works of choreography inspired by traditions of dance notation. They make choices about use of space, gesture and time, and can explore dance choreography as an activity of the mind, removing limitations of the body.
We explore mark-making as both a type of dance and a unique visual aesthetic, and encourage students to collaborate on the development of dance scores.
At right: “Davis Pop Final” by Mi Linda, age 13.
Media Arts
Our media arts workshops expose students to modern art-making techniques including animation, filmmaking, 3D modeling and printing, graphic design, and more.
Students are given access to cutting-edge technology and equipment to explore their interests and ideas, and workshops are designed to engage all students regardless of skill or exposure level.
At right: A collection of 8-bit animations created by Snow City Arts students. Head to our YouTube channel for more examples of students’ media arts projects!
Music
Snow City Arts music workshops focus on the gratifying experience of creating music, regardless of skill or exposure level. Students with little or no prior music instruction can quickly immerse themselves in musical creativity.
Younger children might experiment with elements of rhythm and composition, while older patients might learn to play instruments or delve into music theory. Students can also choose to explore the music of cultures around the world, construct instruments, or collaborate with fellow patients on original recordings.
At right: Terrence, age 10, plays ukulele and performs his original composition, “Dear Nurses.” Listen to more of our students’ musical compositions on Bandcamp!
Theatre
In our theatre workshops, Snow City Arts students explore a wide array of theatrical principles and techniques, from performance to design to theatre history.
Exploring onstage and backstage helps students acquire a wide array of technical, creative, and social-emotional skills. They engage in creative decision-making, learn to collaborate and interact with peers, bolster communication and movement skills, and increase self-esteem and self-reliance.
At right: Multimedia performance “The Fireman Movie,” by Loran, age 8.
Visual Arts
Our visual arts workshops introduce students to a wide range of 2D and 3D art-making and help them learn new ways of thinking about art and its meaning. Activities are created to accommodate a variety of skill and ability levels, offering students a variety of artistic genres to experiment with (including painting, drawing, digital art, photography, printmaking, and sculpture). They are exposed to diverse artists and artistic traditions from across the globe.
Our students’ artwork has been exhibited in local and national galleries.
At right: “Cold Mountain” by Valder, age 18. Explore some more of our student artworks here!
