Free Summer Programs
Registration opens Spring 2023!
2023 SPARK!
Significant Public Art Apprenticeships in Rockford!
SPARK! Is the Rockford Area Arts Council’s summer art program that provides an intensive, hands-on, skill-building, apprenticeship program to youths who demonstrate an interest in the arts. Youth have the unique opportunity to work closely with local artists in a variety of mediums. The primary focus of SPARK! Is community building and positive social connection through the arts. SPARK! projects focus on the development of public art for the experience of the youth and the enjoyment of the Rockford Region.
SPARK! Build: Mosaic
August 7 – August 18 (Two weeks), Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ages: Middle and High School
Location: Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Dr, Rockford, IL 61114
SPARK! Build provides an intensive, hands-on, skill-building apprenticeship program to youths who demonstrate an interest in the arts. Youth will work closely with nationally recognized mosaic artist, Susan Burton, in the planning, construction, and installation of a public sculpture. The student’s mosaic work will be recognized publicly by City of Rockford Mayor, Tom McNamara; additionally, there will be permanent signage installed with a SPARK! Mosaic tribute.
SPARK! Build: SOMNIUM
June 12 – July 6 (Four weeks), Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ages: High School
Location: TBD
SOMNIUM Art Camp will provide an intensive four-week skill-building apprenticeship program to young artists who will have the opportunity to work alongside award-winning international and local artists in an exploration of the theme of dreams and nightmares. Students will interact with the theme through various mediums including installation of a full-scale public mural, production animation, creative writing, prop design, and flow arts.
The work created by students in SOMNIUM Camp will be integrated into the immersive interactive public art-based production created by the artists, which will open in September. Students involved in the SOMNIUM Art Camp will receive two free tickets to attend the production.