Summer SPARKS The ARTS
The Powerful Possibilities of Learning Through the Arts
When you picture the arts in Summer Programs, what do you see? Maybe you imagine young people working side-by-side with trusted adults to paint a community mural (like the one at the Riverton Library). Or maybe you see a young artist bringing a superhero to life by illustrating their own comic book (check out Mizzen’s literacy activity for that).
The Wyoming Department of Education states that arts education has many benefits: “A wide and growing body of research has emphasized the role of arts education in developing literacy, numeracy and self-awareness in children. Key characteristics taught through the arts such as risk taking, big-picture thinking, the ability to fail, persistence, creativity and problem solving are critical to workforce development.”
Why is it Important?
Whether it is visual, verbal, theatrical or musical, the arts not only offer young people powerful ways to express themselves, but they also provide rich opportunities to develop durable, transferable skills like teamwork, problem solving, and resilience. Creative activities help young people explore who they are, make meaning of the world, and connect them to their communities.
In a report published by The Wallace Foundation, Kylie Pepler and her team ask, “What if learning about or practicing an art could help young people connect more directly to their communities and the world they live in? And how might that change the experience and outcomes for both students and communities?”
The report lays five approaches:
- Culturally sustaining arts: Puts a community’s culture at the center of arts experiences
- Future forward arts: Prepares youth for future workforce or civic participation
- Networked arts: Embeds art in networks including families, educators, and working artists
- Doing well by doing art: Supports participants’ health and well-being through art
- Youth voice arts: Emphasizes youth perspectives, leadership, and activism
Learn more at wallacefoundation.org.
Examples of the Arts in Wyoming
Destination Postcard: WYEN, in partnership with the Wyoming’s Future of Learning Initiative and feedback from students at the John C. Schiffer School, developed an activity that can help young people express themselves and can help trusted adults better understand what young people wish they were learning. Teton County School District #1 went one step further. Middle school students were given postcard-sized watercolor sheets and invited to create their own postcards and respond. When asked, young people are clear about what they want to learn. Here’s what a few of them said about learning and the arts:
- I wish I was learning music theory. Music is part of everyone’s lives.
- I wish I was learning photography. I love how one simple picture can capture a perfect moment.
- I wish I was learning how to write a story and be able to workshop it with a group.
With 25 minutes and three simple questions, young people can make meaningful contributions by sharing what they hope for and need. Find step-by-step instructions at wyoenrichmentnetwork.org/destination-postcard.
The Boys & Girls Club of America: “Drama education builds self-confidence, sparks creativity and boosts academic achievement.”
WYO PLAY: WYO PLAY in Sheridan is a shining example of learning through theater. Grace Cannon, the Lead Teaching Artist for WYO PLAY, believes that theater can and should move beyond the boundaries of what people generally think it is. She has found that a lot of students perceive theater as a largely serious and competitive pursuit. Cannon seeks to upend that notion by emphasizing the collaborative aspects of theater production, designing activities that encourage students to share the stage, listen to each other’s ideas, and build each other up. She wants students to walk away from the program with greater confidence and critical thinking skills, and with a focus on the generative and fun aspects of creating art together, rather than a focus on labeling art as “good” or “bad.” WYO Play helped WYEN celebrate Lights On Afterschool by displaying the Governor’s Proclamation in 2023. Learn more about WYO Play at wyotheater.com.
Try This! Activities for Programs and Families
Activity 1: Artmobile Deep Looking Activity: The Ann Simpson Artmobile brings works of art from the University of Wyoming Art Museum on tour around the state, sharing parts of the museum’s permanent collection with widespread communities and encouraging artistic literacy and creativity in students of all ages. Ann Simpson Artmobile educator, Sarita Talusani Keller guides you through a deep looking activity using “At Work and At Play.” You will need a pencil and paper and a timer. Find the video activity on YouTube.
Activity 2: Jump Into the STEAM Playlist on Mizzen: The STEAM Playlist from Mizzen offers free, easy-to-use activities that blend art with science. One highlight is the “Color Collage,” which helps students develop design skills as they clip and assemble photographs to make collages that represent a color. Get your free account and access the activity via Mizzen.
Activity 3: Consider ArtMath! In Afterschool Math Plus, you can help young people experience the elegance of math, explore the connections between art and math, and use mathematical concepts like tessellations, patterns and symmetry to create their own art. This activity is featured in the Summer STEM Fellowship! One Fellow noted that activities like this can help young people make connections: “I thrive on seeing those ‘lightbulb’ moments when kids make connections and develop confidence in their abilities. By adapting to different learning styles and finding ways to relate to each individual, I create and environment where young people feel supported and inspired.” Find instructions from FHI360.
Activity 4: Craft with Natural Found Objects: Montessori Art says a great way to teach kids about nature and art is by crafting: “Making crafts using only objects found in nature is an amazing way to have children slow down and become more present. This connects them not just to nature, but to our past and ancestors as well.” Find instructions at Montessori Art.
Keep Learning!
Want to see more? Visit wyoenrichmentnetwork.org/summer-sparks to explore other stories. Share your own summer learning experiences using #SummerLearningWeek and #ThriveBeyondTheBell.
Igniting Curiosity, Connection, and Growth All Summer Long
The Wyoming Enrichment Network is celebrating National Summer Learning Week (July 14–18, 2025) by spotlighting the amazing ways communities across the state are helping young people stay curious, connected, and growing all summer long.
Mission: We bridge the gap between Wyoming’s out-of-school programs and the communities they uplift, fueling them with resources, support and opportunities that inspire lifelong learning, growth and connection.
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