Students explore the techniques of pinch, coil, and slab with guidance from a skilled artist. Each workshop includes basic information about clay and historical or cultural facts when applicable.

All clay artwork is left at the Arvada Center to be fired: teachers are notified when clay pieces are ready for pick up. Clay workshops are not available for outreach programming.

Animals and People (Grades K-5)

Students explore making animals and people out of clay by breaking figures down into simple shapes.

Birds and Nests (Grades K-5)

Students will model their pieces from images and create birds and nests out of clay.

Chicken Soup Bowls and Hugs, based on the book Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak (Grades K-5)

This workshop begins with reading Chicken Soup with Rice. Students then build pinch pot bowls and use their imagination to add characters from the story to their bowls.

Clay Sugar Skulls (Grades 2-5)

In this workshop, students learn about the history and traditions of Dia de Los Muertos. Students draw inspiration from the style and techniques of traditional sugar skulls and create their own interpretation of a sugar skull.

Frogs! (Grades K-4)

In this workshop students learn about the anatomy, physiology and life cycle of amphibians and create their own clay frog.

Japanese Dragon Boats (Grades 2-5)

Students learn about the origins of the Dragon Boat Festival while making Dragon Boats from clay.

Bucket Drumming (Grades 1-5)

In this workshop, participants learn how to create rhythms and different sounds using paint buckets and their imaginations. The class explores all of the sonic possibilities of a simple and common object.

Drumming Journey (Grades 1-5)

Music through rhythm is explored from many different continents including: Africa, Europe, and Asia. Each region’s rhythm and music is tied into what we hear today in America, including: jazz, classical, military, folk, country, and rock by hands-on play with percussion instruments.

Language of African Drumming (Grades K-5)

Participants learn the “alphabet” of African hand drums that form basic sounds to create the language of drums. Participants then learn to play traditional patterns used to communicate using these sounds and learn about African culture and how significant it is to the daily life of its people.

Comedy Improvisation (Grades 2-5)

Participants take part in a series of fast-paced comedy skits involving unusual characters and wacky stories. Every student has at least one opportunity to perform in front of the group. Participants develop self-confidence and comic timing as well as strengthen cooperation and listening skills.

Creative Dramatics (Grades 1-5)

This workshop of theatre games, improvisation, storytelling, and movement stimulates imagination and encourages creativity both vocally and physically. From pantomime to team-building exercises, participants learn skills and techniques used by professional actors and storytellers.

Ella Enchanted Drama Workshop (Grades 1-5)

Students use the story of Ella Enchanted and the concept fractured fairy tales to explore story, narrative, and characters in this interactive drama workshop.

Horton Hears a Who Workshop (Grades 1-4)

Join us as we explore the world and personalities in Seussville! Students will use performing arts as a way to recreate Dr. Seuss’ world!

Interactive Storytelling (Grades K-5)

Drama activities excite imaginations of participants as a foundation for further exploration. Participants listen to a story, discuss elements and themes of the tale, and explore the story through movement and voice. Choose from: Greek Mythology, or Folk, Fairy and Animal Tales.

Literacy on Stage (Grades 2-5)

In this fun workshop that incorporates drama and literacy, students create and perform short scenes based on common stories or poems. As the children work together in small groups, they learn about teamwork, the creative dramatic process, and how to engage more completely when reading out loud.

Playmaking (Grades K-5)

Participants are introduced to acting concepts and terminology through a series of creative activities. Students are then selected to become actors in an adapted version of one of the plays listed below. Given costumes, props, and few simple lines, participants magically bring each story to life. Plays available for this workshop include:

● Inspired by Snow White (Grades K-5) - This participation play is a comedic adaption of the classic fairy tale. The time and place remain the same, but the names and roles of the dwarfs have been changed to set the scene for a hilarious ending.

● Journey to Treasure Island (Grades 3-5) - Red, the Pirate Queen is the villain in this play in which pirates maneuver to take over the ship and find the buried treasure. This humorous take on the classic tale filled with student-produced sound effects including pirates’ laughter, the pirates’ “ditty” and the wail of a ghost.

● The Story of the Three Little Pigs (Grades K-5) - Children use costumes and props as they learn simple dramatic techniques and brainstorm a new ending for their version of this classic tale.

● Hansel and Gretel’s Adventure (Grades K-5) - This workshop combines a variety of fairy tales including: Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, The Gingerbread Man, and The Three Little Pigs as Hansel and Gretel set out on an interactive adventure including favorite characters from classical children’s literature.

● Inspired by Cinderella (Grades K-4) - A retelling of the classic story with costumes, props, and some surprises!

● Inspired by The Rainbow Fish (Grades PreK-3) - Based on the book, this workshop uses props and costumes to tell the story of the Rainbow Fish and his journey.

● Inspired by Where the Wild Things Are (Grades PreK-3) - Students learn more about Max, the main character and his journey to meet the Wild Things.

Shakespeare’s Stage (Grades 4-5)

“All the world’s a stage!” Participants explore Shakespeare’s world in this acting workshop that combines literature with the performing arts. Fun tongue twisters from Hamlet, fairy scenes from A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, and acting games give participants a brief look at this famous playwright. Discover creative Shakespearean phrases and ease the understanding of Shakespeare’s dialogue through a trivia game and original comedic radio play based on six of Shakespeare’s works.

Swashbuckling (Grades 4-5)

Learn how actors create those stage and scene battles without pain! Students learn the simple terms and techniques for basic stage combat, as well as introductory fencing techniques.

The Velveteen Rabbit Drama Workshop (Grades PreK-5)

Students dive further into the story of The Velveteen Rabbit through drama games and teamwork. The ideas of characters, narrative and plot are explored.

African Mud Paintings (Grades K-5)

African mud paintings are a textile art form found in several cultures of West Africa. Participants make their own mud painting by painting on cloth with mud, incorporating traditional symbols and patterns, and using their own unique designs.

A Beautiful Oops! (ECE)

Students get the chance to listen to the story of A Beautiful Oops and explore a variety of arts materials to create their own masterpieces!

Bizarro Picasso Masks (Grades 2-5)

Participants gain a deeper understanding of the master artist by exploring some of Pablo Picasso’s cubist portraits. Students then create large paper masks with abstract and exaggerated features, combining Picasso’s style with their own creativity.

Chilean Rain Sticks (Grades 2-5)

La Música de la Naturaleza—The Music of Nature. Inspired by the legends of indigenous Chileans who create rain sticks to encourage rainy weather; students create an adapted version of the original cactus root rain stick.

Drawing Giants! (Grades 3-5)

Students learn about perspective and drawing as they take inspiration from large characters.

Eric Carle and You (Grades K-4)

Based on the techniques of well-known author and illustrator Eric Carle, participants create their own “hungry caterpillar.” Students practice the technique of painting with color and texture and use cut up paintings and collage to design a caterpillar

Fairy Tale Self-Portraits (Grades K-4)

Students use fairy tales as the backdrop to create their own self-portrait using mixed media.

Georgia O’Keeffe Florals (Grades 1-5)

Using examples of Georgia O’Keeffe’s work, participants learn how to observe and research natural forms by focusing on detail. Students create their own drawings through pencil and chalk pastels.

Japanese Star Streamers (Grades 1-4)

Star Streamers are an integral part of the Japanese festival Tanabata. Students learn about the traditions of this festival and then create their own Star Streamers by threading colorful, folded paper onto a string with beads that hang from a small branch.

Kandinsky Collage (ECE-Grade 1)

Students explore two of Kandinsky’s painting styles through drawing to music and collaged circles.

Mexican Textile Masks (Grades 2-5)

Drawing upon Mexican folk art, students learn to draw with scissors by cutting a variety of felt shapes and facial features. Students then use the cutout shapes and a variety of other materials to create a personalized textile mask.

Molas (Grades 3-5)

Drawing inspiration from traditional Central American fabric molas, students will create their own by using paper and layering techniques.

Our Solar System (Grades 1-5)

In this workshop, students will create a colorful and exciting picture of the solar system we live in. Using oil pastels, they will collage the planets and even let them orbit!

Paper Puppets (Grades K-5)

Students can bring an animal of their choosing to life! Paper collage and folding will allow students to explore a variety of mediums while creating their own puppet.

Pioneer Toys (Grades 1-5)

In this workshop, participants explore what life was like for children in pioneer times. Students learn that there was little time for play, and children on the prairie made their own toys. Participants make their own corn husk dolls using fabric scraps, ribbons and buttons for clothing.

Torn Paper Landscapes (Grades 2-5)

Colorado’s amazing landscapes and rock formations become the backdrop to this workshop. Students will tear and layer papers to create a different type of landscape representation.

Van Gogh’s Starry Night (Grades K-5)

Students learn about Vincent Van Gogh by creating a painting similar to his masterpiece Starry Night. Oil pastels and watercolors aid students in creating their own version of the painting.

These one hour-long, “assembly-style” performance events offer an entertaining arts experience for large groups. They require a minimum audience of 75-150 students. Flat rate pricing applies.

Down on the Farm (Grades 1-5)

In this high-energy, interactive presentation, children are invited to sing, clap, and dance along. Instructors bring the spoons, shaker eggs and the washboard for the audience to use. Puppets help convey stories told about the lumberjack family - Jack, Jill, Jigs, their horse, Jasper, the rooster and Jim, the lazy hound dog. Songs include: Turkey in the Straw, Cluck Old Hen, Kiss a Cow, Pig in a Pen, Baa, Baa, Black Sheep, All the Pretty Little Horses and lots more.

Kusogea Nobi Drum Ensemble (Grades K-5)

This vibrant and energetic performance, based on the traditions of West Africa, takes the audience on a rhythmical journey from Africa to the New World and back to Africa. The intensity and dynamics of the music the ensemble plays gave the ensemble its name. “Kusogea” is a word in Ki-Swahili that means “to move.” “Nobi'' is a word indigenous to the world that means “people.” Kusogea Nobi moves people—it is virtually impossible to remain still when experiencing this style of music.

Songs and Tales from Colorado Trails (Grades 2-5)

Dressed in typical 1860s attire, “Susannah and Jackson” tell stories of crossing the plains, interspersed with some of the best loved pioneer songs accompanied by guitar, banjo, fiddle, dulcimer, mandolin, harmonica, and autoharp. Hear about early Colorado pioneer women: Clara Brown, Chipeta Silverheels, Rattlesnake Kate, and Matilda Godfrey. Tales include Native Americans, miners, cowboys, and ranchers. Look forward to lots of audience participation and an appearance by the Lumberjack family.

Taiko Drumming (Grades K-5)

The sound of an authentic Taiko drum leads this exploration through Japanese culture. Costumes, Japanese folktales, percussion instruments, and the booming Taiko drum come together to immerse students in ancient Japanese art forms.

Yesterado (Grades 1-5)

Yesterado is a one-hour-long performance featuring a light-hearted glimpse at Colorado history. Real-life travelling entertainers Jack Langrishe and Marietta Ravel are reimagined as a sort of goofy, time-travel welcome wagon committee, taking you back in time and giving you a glimpse of Colorado in the 1890s. To deepen your students’ learning, please ask about accompanying workshops that complement Yesterado.

Creative Movement (Grades PreK-5)

Participants explore rhythm and music while developing gross motor skills in this fun and up-beat workshop. Participants find ways to express themselves through music and speak through movement.

Danza Azteca (Grades 3-5) Limited Availability

Award-winning performance Artist Lorenzo J. Ramirez, Artistic Director of Grupo Folklórico Sabor Latino, takes students on journey back to ancient Mexico to experience the traditions, history and splendor of the Azteca people. Presented in full elaborate ceremonial uniform with natural instruments, Lorenzo provides participants with an engaging, interactive and educational experience of this unique indigenous culture.

Participation plays are lively and humorous adaptation of well-known stories performed by our professional actors with assistance from members of your group! All participation plays include simple props and costumes to help the story come alive. Choose from these stories:
• Jack and the Beanstalk (Grades K-3)
• A Christmas Carol (Grades K-5)
• Alice in Wonderland (Grades PreK-5)
• James and the Giant Peach (Grades 3-5)

Artist Trading Cards (Grades 6-12)

Students explore the art form of Artist Trading Cards by making and sharing their own! Workshop will use the standard size of 2 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches for students to make their own creations and express their imaginations.

Bizarro Picasso Masks (Grades 6-12)

Participants gain a deeper understanding of the master artist by exploring some of Pablo Picasso’s cubist portraits. Students then create large paper masks with abstract and exaggerated features, combining Picasso’s style with their own creativity.

Chilean Rain Sticks (Grades 6-8)

La Música de la Naturaleza—The Music of Nature. Inspired by the legends of indigenous Chileans who create rain sticks to encourage rainy weather; students create an adapted version of the original cactus root rain stick.

Georgia O’Keeffe Florals (Grades 6-8)

Using examples of Georgia O’Keeffe’s work, participants learn how to observe and research natural forms by focusing on detail. Students create their own drawings through pencil and chalk pastels.

Mexican Textile Masks (Grades 6-8)

Drawing upon Mexican folk art, students learn to draw with scissors by cutting a variety of felt shapes and facial features. Students then use the cutout shapes and a variety of other materials to create a personalized textile mask.

Molas (Grades 6-8)

Drawing inspiration from traditional Central American fabric molas, students will create their own by using paper and layering techniques.

Our Solar System (Grades 6-8)

In this workshop, students will create a colorful and exciting picture of the solar system we live in. Using oil pastels, they will collage the planets and even let them orbit!

Torn Paper Landscapes (Grades 6-10)

Colorado’s amazing landscapes and rock formations become the backdrop to this workshop. Students will tear and layer papers to create a different type of landscape representation.

Van Gogh’s Starry Night (6-8)

Students learn about Vincent Van Gogh by creating a painting similar to his masterpiece Starry Night. Oil pastels and watercolors aid students in creating their own version of the painting.

Students explore the techniques of pinch, coil, and slab with guidance from a skilled artist. Each workshop includes basic information about clay and historical or cultural facts when applicable.

All clay artwork is left at the Arvada Center to be fired: teachers are notified when clay pieces are ready for pick up. Clay workshops are not available for outreach programming.

Birds and Nests (Grades 6-8)

Students will model their pieces from images and create birds and nests out of clay.

Japanese Dragon Boats (Grades 6-8)

Students learn about the origins of the Dragon Boat Festival while making Dragon Boats from clay.

Bucket Drumming (Grades 6-12)

In this workshop, participants learn how to create rhythms and different sounds using paint buckets and their imaginations. The class explores all of the sonic possibilities of a simple and common object.

Drumming Journey (Grades 6-8)

Music through rhythm is explored from many different continents including: Africa, Europe, and Asia. Each region’s rhythm and music is tied into what we hear today in America, including: jazz, classical, military, folk, country, and rock by hands-on play with percussion instruments.

Language of African Drumming (Grades 6-12)

Participants learn the “alphabet” of African hand drums that form basic sounds to create the language of drums. Participants then learn to play traditional patterns used to communicate using these sounds and learn about African culture and how significant it is to the daily life of its people.

Comedy Improvisation (Grades 6-12)

Participants take part in a series of fast-paced comedy skits involving unusual characters and wacky stories. Every student has at least one opportunity to perform in front of the group. Participants develop self-confidence and comic timing as well as strengthen cooperation and listening skills.

Creative Dramatics (Grades 6-12)

This workshop of theatre games, improvisation, storytelling, and movement stimulates imagination and encourages creativity both vocally and physically. From pantomime to team-building exercises, participants learn skills and techniques used by professional actors and storytellers.

Interactive Storytelling (Grades 6-12)

Drama activities excite imaginations of participants as a foundation for further exploration. Participants listen to a story, discuss elements and themes of the tale, and explore the story through movement and voice. Choose from:

• Greek Mythology
• Folk, Fairy, and Animal Tales

Shakespeare’s Stage (Grades 6-12)

“All the world’s a stage!” Participants explore Shakespeare’s world in this acting workshop that combines literature with the performing arts. Fun tongue twisters from Hamlet, fairy scenes from A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, and acting games give participants a brief look at this famous playwright. Discover creative Shakespearean phrases and ease the understanding of Shakespeare’s dialogue through a trivia game and original comedic radio play based on six of Shakespeare’s works.

Swashbuckling (Grades 6-12)

Learn how actors create those stage and scene battles without pain!Students learn the simple terms and techniques for basic hand-to-hand stage combat, as well as introductory fencing techniques.

These one hour-long, “assembly-style” performance events offer an entertaining arts experience for large groups. They require a minimum audience of 75-150 students. Flat rate pricing applies.

Kusogea Nobi Drum Ensemble (Grades 6-12)

This vibrant and energetic performance, based on the traditions of West Africa, takes the audience on a rhythmical journey from Africa to the New World and back to Africa. The intensity and dynamics of the music the ensemble plays gave the ensemble its name. “Kusogea” is a word in Ki-Swahili that means “to move.” “Nobi'' is a word indigenous to the world that means “people.” Kusogea Nobi moves people—it is virtually impossible to remain still when experiencing this style of music.

Taiko Drumming (Grades 6-12)

The sound of an authentic Taiko drum leads this exploration through Japanese culture. Costumes, Japanese folktales, percussion instruments, and the booming Taiko drum come together to immerse students in ancient Japanese art forms.

Yesterado (Grades 6-8)

Yesterado is a one hour long performance featuring a light-hearted glimpse at Colorado history. Real-life traveling entertainers Jack Langrishe and Marietta Ravel are reimagined as a sort of goofy, time-travel welcome wagon committee, taking you back in time and giving you a glimpse of Colorado in the 1890s. To deepen your students’ learning, please ask about accompanying workshops that complement Yesterado.

Creative Movement (Grades 6-12)

Participants explore rhythm and music while developing gross motor skills in this fun and up-beat workshop. Participants find ways to express themselves through music and speak through movement.

Danza Azteca (Grades 6-12) Limited Availability

Award winning performance Artist Lorenzo J. Ramirez, Artistic Director of Grupo Folklórico Sabor Latino, takes students on a journey back to ancient Mexico to experience the traditions, history and splendor of the Azteca people. Presented in full elaborate ceremonial uniform with natural instruments, Lorenzo provides participants with an engaging, interactive and educational experience of this unique indigenous culture.

Bizarro Picasso Masks (Grades 2-12)

Participants gain a deeper understanding of the master artist by exploring some of Pablo Picasso’s cubist portraits. Students then create large paper masks with abstract and exaggerated features, combing Picasso’s style with their own creativity.

ECE Workshop, Kandinsky Collage

(ECE-1st grade students) Students explore two of Kandinsky’s painting styles through drawing to music and collaged circles.

Molas (Grades 3-8)

Drawing inspiration from traditional fabric molas, students will create their own by using paper and layering techniques.

Torn Paper Landscapes (Grades 2-10)

Colorado’s amazing landscapes and rock formations become the backdrop to this workshop. Students will tear and layer papers to create a different type of landscape representation.

Paper Puppets (Grades PreK-5)

Students can bring an animal of their choosing to life! Paper collage and folding will allow students to explore a variety of mediums while creating their own puppet.

Comedy Improvisation (Grades 6-12)

Participants take part in a series of fast-paced comedy skits involving unusual characters and wacky stories. Every student has a least one opportunity to perform in front of the group. Participants develop self-confidence and comic timing as well as strengthen cooperation and listening skills.

Literacy on Stage (Grades 2-6)

In this fun workshop that incorporates drama and literacy, students create and perform short scenes based on common stories or poems. As the children work together in small groups, they learn about teamwork, the creative dramatic process, and how to engage more completely when reading out loud.

Interactive Storytelling (Grades K-12)

Drama activities excite the imaginations of participants as a foundation for further exploration. Participants listen to a story, discuss elements and themes of the tale, and explore the story through movement and voice. Choose from: Greek Mythology or Folk, Fairy, and Animal Tales.

Shakespeare’s Stage (Grades 4-12)

“All the world’s a stage!” Participants explore Shakespeare’s world in this acting workshop that combines literature with the performing arts. Fun tongue twisters from Hamlet, fairy scenes from A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, and acting games give participants a brief look at this famous playwright. Discover creative Shakespearean phrases and ease the understanding of Shakespeare’s dialogue through a trivia game and original comedic radio play based on six of Shakespeare’s works.

Creative Movement (Grades PreK-12)

Participants explore rhythm and music while developing gross motor skills in this fun and upbeat workshop. Participants find ways to express themselves through music and speak through movement.