SAI is an educational program presented in cooperation with the Charleston County School District (CCSD) for high school students with talents in the visual arts. From June 11 – 29, 2012, thirty talented high school students will be selected to have three weeks of intense training in painting, printmaking, and photography. An objective of the program is to provide visual art experiences, instruction and production beyond the scope of the regular visual art curriculum for students with exceptional visual art talent.

In this program, students take away the importance of building relationships and being around dedicated artists. They form new relationships that will carry onto the rest of their life. The instructors are very enthusiastic and give students the recognition that they deserve. The instructors this year are Tony Csavas, Shannon Di, and Elizabeth Stephenson. They are huge contributors in the art community of Charleston. By providing high school students the opportunity to learn from and develop relationships with professional artists, and exhibit their artwork in the community; SAI is motivating and encouraging youth to be creative and explore new ideas. The students gain confidence and awareness that there are like-minded people out there before entering into College.

Students who go through this program have a portfolio prepared for applications to College, Advanced Placement Art Classes, and Governor’s School. Pieces by each student will be retained for a two -year period in the Charleston County School District collection and will be on public display to further the student’s professional experience.

At the end of the program, the student’s work will be displayed in the Redux gallery, July 21 – 28, 2012. Admission is free. The opening reception on Saturday, July 21, 6-9pm will be open to the public and will include complimentary beverages and light hors d’oeuvres. To learn more about this exhibition, please click here.