Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Art and Leadership Program accepting applications from Santa Fe area rising sixth graders

Kathaleen Roberts, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·2 min read

Mar. 4—The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum is accepting applications for its summer Art and Leadership Program.

The project is open to all rising sixth grade students in Santa Fe and its surrounding communities.

Students at public, private, charter and Bureau of Indian Education schools, as well as homeschooled children from across northern New Mexico, are encouraged to apply.

Now in its 26th year, the Art and Leadership Program is free for participants, who are also provided daily breakfast, lunch and snacks.

Students attend a two-week session Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in June and/or July, with a celebratory art show held in the first week of August.

"We are excited to open Art and Leadership registration and welcome new students into such an impactful program," said Grace Almanza, school and tour programs manager for the museum. "Annual field trips to Ghost Ranch and O'Keeffe's home and studio in Abiquiú are on the schedule again, along with new activities in different art techniques, including block printing and ceramics. These hands-on and experiential activities make for two truly unforgettable weeks for our participants."

Created as a homage to Georgia O'Keeffe's lifelong passion for education and learning, the program is a three-year summer program that begins in the summer after fifth grade. Students are then invited back to participate in the Art and Leadership Program every summer until they graduate eighth grade. The program is designed to target middle school youth and address the gap in artistic development between elementary and high school.

Participants learn collectively with a focus on independent thinking, building self-esteem, and strengthening self-respect. Museum staff, program leaders, interns and teaching artists lead the program, offering children an oasis of positive support an encouragement.

Applications are now available on the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum website at okeeffemuseum.org for rising sixth-graders to complete. The deadline for applications is May 1.

The Art and Leadership Program is funded by Century Bank; Kappa Delta Foundation; New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs; and by the National Endowment for the Arts.