Redux Contemporary Art Center’s Outreach Program offers a wide range of free workshops to after-school organizations such as the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Yo Art!, and the Girl Scouts of America. Through our outreach program, students gain exposure of local and national artists with our gallery walks. Follow-up hands on workshops are offered in conjunction with the gallery walks to teach students how they can implement the basic fundamentals from each gallery show into their own work.
This could not be made possible without the support of Piggly Wiggly, the offical sponsor of Redux’s Education and Outreach Program.
Redux’s youth based outreach programs introduce disadvantaged children and youth to the arts. By partnering with other organizations that serve these youth; including YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Girl Scouts,Yo! Arts, and Charleston County School District, Redux has dramatically increased its impact on the community. Children begin with their visit to the Redux gallery with a tour of the facility where they learn about the current exhibition and what Redux represents to the Charleston community. This is followed by additional visits for workshop(s) that introduce children to visual art using materials and processes that would not typically be available to them in their school. Children are encouraged to express themselves with a variety of media and verbally communicate with their peers and the instructor as they create their work. This is an experience that these children do not receive during the school day, especially since classes are limited to 10 students, and most South Carolina schools have 30 – 40 students in each class, and facilities that limit what mediums can be used.
By participating in Redux’s Outreach Programs children and youth develop self confidence, leadership skills, and positive relationships with peers and adults. Students are encouraged and required to talk about their artwork while they are creating it, as well as upon completion. By talking with their peers, they develop self assurance and integrate language into their art. Small class sizes also help the students establish a personal relationship with the instructor; giving them a positive role model and helping them become comfortable communicating with adults. Students learn to respect their environment, classmates, instructor(s), and materials in their classes.