Corcoran ArtReach

Celebrating 20 Years

In our video, you can meet three young Washington D.C. residents—Alex, Kayla, and Marie—who are learning about the world and themselves through art.

Students who participate in arts learning experiences often improve their achievement in other realms of learning and life.

— National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, 2006

Art allows me to express myself, master a skill that I love, and soothe my soul.

— Alex Marie Gore, 7th grade

ArtReach, the Corcoran’s community art program, is celebrating its 20th year of high-quality visual arts education for the youth in our community. The program extends the resources of the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the College of Art + Design to the diverse neighborhoods of Washington, D.C. Partnering with community organizations around the city, we provide after-school programs, summer classes, and workshops to underserved youth and their families. The program serves more than 300 students a year.
                               
Using the Gallery’s collection as a primary resource, ArtReach fosters creativity and visual literacy skills while helping students develop meaningful connections between art and their lives. During a semester, participants take field trips to the galleries to look at, discuss, and interpret works of art. Back in the studio, they experiment with a variety of art materials and methods to create their own artwork inspired by these experiences.

To celebrate the anniversary, the Corcoran is hosting the exhibition Expressions 2012: Celebrating 20 Years of ArtReach, on view May 30–June 24, 2012. A reception will be held Thursday, May 31, 6–8 p.m. The exhibition presents work made by current ArtReach students, including several who have participated in the program for many years.