Young Audiences

Artist Karie Oakes helps kids explore clay.

Young Audiences is an organization homeschoolers should know about.  Their mission is "to enhance student learning with creative resources from the arts community."  That means our students too!    They provide a way to connect to many fine and performing artists who can bring workshops and performances to homeschool groups.  Most of the workshops they offer are surprisingly affordable.  We attended their recent open house, which showcased a wide variety of their artists, and it was an eye opening experience.  

Obo Aday can fill a room with African drums and show kids how to play them together, while sharing stories about the culture of Ghana.  Rick Meyers can show the kids how to do amazing traditional string figures.  Peggy Ross can teach them weaving with all sorts of materials.  Anne Rutherford can inspire them to find their storytelling voice.  Ed Drury can show kids how to make a didjeridu while using math skills, and help them learn to play.  Carlos Reyes can inspire them to write poetry.  They have a roster of over 200 artists, and you are bound to find something terrific.  You can see them on their website, http://www.ya-or.org/ or call them at 503-225-5900 to request a  handy printed guide.  

Ed Drury explains the didjeridu.

Why should we take advantage of this?  One of my many reasons for homeschooling is the state public schools have been left in, due to budget cuts.  And it keeps getting worse every school year.  (This, I have found, is a great way to explain why we are homeschooling to skeptical acquaintances.  Everyone relates to that!)  Of course, the first thing on the chopping block are the arts, because many people tend to regard them as superfluous.  Yes, we want our kids to read and do math.  And that may be all they have funding left for.  But I would argue that the only skill we can be positive the next generation will need, is creativity.  We will solve none of the world's problems without creativity.  It will be required in all fields.  It needs to be taken seriously. 

I had no idea this organization existed, until an artist who was giving a workshop at a library told me about it.  I generally keep my ear to the ground about learning opportunities for homeschoolers, but I had never heard of them.  I asked them why they haven't gotten the word out to homeschoolers.  They explained that they weren't aware of any organization that would help them find homeschoolers.  Also, when explaining what they have to offer, often homeschoolers react by objecting that they have no idea how to find a group, and a space to facilitate a workshop.  If you are wondering that yourself, I have some ideas.  

Jasper with a crazy thing he made, weaving with Peggy Ross.

Finding a group is the easiest part.  If you don't already belong to a homeschool group with enough interested families, once you set up a workshop, you can announce it on a local Yahoo group such as GPH or HIP list.  Finding a space requires more creativity, but it shouldn't be difficult.  Community rooms at libraries, fire houses, community centers, and faith communities are great places to start.  The Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue offers free use of community rooms to nonprofits.  Community centers tend to have amazingly reasonable rates for nonprofits.  Library policies vary quite a bit, as do faith communities. The Beaverton City Library has a lovely auditorium which is available for rental for performances.  Rarely, some facilities will require legal proof of nonprofit status, which will entitle you to free or greatly reduced rates.  Young Audiences can help with that.     

So what are you waiting for?  Check them out:  http://www.ya-or.org/