By Zachary Rozmiarek, 4-H Program Educator - Dunn County
For the fifth consecutive year, the Dunn, Eau Claire, and Chippewa County 4-H programs are partnering with the UW-Stout Art Education Department and Arts Integration Menomonie (AIM) to offer Art U, a virtual and in person art education program, to youth in the Chippewa Valley. All Dunn, Eau Claire, and Chippewa County youth in grades 5K-12 are invited to participate, even if they are not enrolled in 4-H.
Chippewa County 4-H Educator Jordan Blue emphasized the program’s inclusivity, stating, “We feel it is important to include all area youth in this event. It increases the amount of youth that can benefit from the program. It also gives non 4-H members insight to what 4-H has to offer.” Those who participate in Art U can gain access to other 4-H opportunities.
Youth in grades K-6 will attend virtual sessions via Zoom. The virtual format has been well received. A parent of a previous participant shared, “I have very much appreciated the ability for my kids to participate from home. This option works great for busy schedules and I don't know that we'd be able to participate otherwise.” Other families have appreciated the virtual program because it is easier to fit into their schedules and beneficial for youth who may not feel comfortable attending in person.
Youth in grades seven and up will meet in-person on the UW-Stout Campus. Meeting on a college campus allows them to undertake more complicated art projects.
It also provides them with a glimpse of college life and what it is like to be an art student. These experiences are vital as the youth begin to consider their post high school plans.
UW-Stout art professor Ann Carlisle highlighted the program's broader impact, saying, “I believe that these types of collaborations increase awareness of the visual arts, assist children and their families to have fun, while learning about and continuing to appreciate the visual arts and help our pre-service art educators to become more confident and competent in teaching. They also bring people together in community to create and enjoy the visual arts collaboratively, even during times of isolation.”
The program is offered on Monday nights for five weeks starting on February 3rd. All grade levels are invited to display their work at an in-person art show and celebration on March 10th. The cost is $5 for current 4-H members, and $10 for any other youth. This fee covers all of the supplies that are needed for the projects. Supplies can be picked up from the Dunn, Eau Claire, or Chippewa County extension offices during the week of January 27th.
Registration closes on January 5. To register and for more information, visit go.wisc.edu/artu25. If you have any questions, please contact the Dunn County Extension Office at 715-232-1636, or email [email protected].
Watch a news story about this program on WQOW.