Artscope Wall Ball Helps Make Art Accessible to St. Louis Kids

To a child, art is more than a means to creativity. It’s therapy, self-expression and education. What they learn extends beyond the art room into the classroom, shaping how they approach every subject.

Yet, due to schools’ diminishing budgets and a national focus on rigorous test prep, art classes in many schools have been reduced, if not cut altogether, causing children to miss out on building critical thinking skills.

However, Artscope in St. Louis has helped fill the gap since 2002, offering affordable art classes and camps to kids in the metropolitan region. Children have a chance to learn about art from celebrated local artists while celebrating the rich diversity of our community.

Like most nonprofits, Artscope is experiencing a growing demand for its programs and a need to expand its budget so that no child is ever turned away. On February 21, its 13^th annual Wall Ball, a live art event and silent auction, will give local artists a platform to showcase their work and give more children access to art education.

Artscope goes beyond the classroom

Located in the historic “cottage castle” in Tower Grove Park, Artscope uses the natural park environment as its studio and playground.

According to Nick Dunne, Artscope marketing director, classes and camps are “open format” – artists lead focused projects, but provide loose instructions so that kids can interpret them in their own way. A snow globe project, for instance, many lead some kids down a traditional route of snowmen and Christmas trees, but others may go more abstract.

“Artscope doesn’t focus on the end result,” Dunne remarked. “We’re not looking to cultivate the next Van Gogh or Degas. We encourage our campers to be creative on their own terms, and we celebrate individual accomplishments on each project. We acknowledge that some kids are more artistically-inclined than others, but our organization fosters an environment where all art is created equal.”

It’s this thinking-outside-the-box resourcefulness that helps a child become more successful throughout his or her academic journey. Artscope’s open format curriculum encourages young artists to think critically on their own, become more self-aware, and take the risks that spur innovation. Those are skills that translate into every subject, from history to English.

For example, Dunne explained that the problem-solving processes involved in applying layers of paint for a particular effect is the same process needed to solve a complex math problem.

“When children grow accustomed to uninhibitedly exploring their own ideas, they will use that mindset as young adults to become the next generation of entrepreneurs, community leaders and game changers. That’s what we strive for.”

Amanda Doyle of St. Louis, whose 6-year-old son Milo has attended Artscope’s summer and school holiday camps, has witnessed how the small, intimate classes at Artscope make a difference in the lives of even the littlest artists.

“I like that the teachers are so loving and creative in their minimal guidance of the kids’ process,” Doyle remarked. “I love that they make use of the park – for inspiration, for outdoor recreation time. I love that they walk to the playground, to nearby local businesses, and to the fountain. The kind of activities they do seem to bring out the best aspects of ‘arts education,’ which puts the emphasis on the joy of creation and discovery rather than on some predetermined product, outcome or right answer.”

“I think we could all use more of that attitude, event in adulthood,” she added.

Upcoming classes and camps

Artscope is currently enrolling for spring School Daze camps – which are held anytime St. Louis public schools are on break – as well as its Summer Camps. Day camps run $40 each day with a small additional free for early and after care while Summer Camps are $165 a week. Their spring classes, which have yet to be scheduled, average $10-$15 depending on requirements and program duration.

Financial assistance is available to children who reside in St. Louis City, and the program is currently working to expand its scholarship program.

Artscope is also available for scouting groups, homeschool groups and birthday parties. During the summer, the organization will host open studio hours during the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market, and in the fall, they are planning to launch a new series of modality-specific evening programs.

Wall Ball

Without the support of the community and fellow arts lovers, Artscope cannot expand its breadth of programming.

To continue fueling the creative fire in its students, Artscope is hosting its 13^th annual Wall Ball arts event. On Saturday, February 21 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Third Degree Glass Factory, partygoers can observe first-hand the creative process of more than 30 local artists. From painting to printmaking to sculpture, local artists will craft incredible works in-studio, which guests can bid on through a silent auction.

Featuring big names in the art world, like Julie Malone of SOHA Gallery, Cbabi Bayoc and David Langley, as well as food from Seoul Taco, Bailey’s Restaurants, and Fountain on Locust, Wall Ball tempts all five senses. Proceeds from the event will help fund Artscope’s classes and scholarship program.

Tickets are $35 for general admission and $60 for VIP, which includes open beer and wine as well as early admission. To purchase tickets or for more information on Artscope programming, visit www.artscopestl.org.