Registration now open for the fall 2014 session of the Saturday Arts Lab

The School of Fine & Performing Arts, known throughout the region as a gathering place for artists, makers, scholars, and enthusiasts to come together to make and experience art in all its diversity, is serving the Hudson Valley community thanks to its Community Arts School at SUNY New Paltz.

Directed by SUNY professor and prominent independent artist Kevin Klein, the Community Arts School offers visual and performing arts classes and workshops for young people and adults alike all year long, reflecting an ongoing engagement between Fine & Performing Arts and the greater community. Drawing on the strength of their nationally recognized academic programs, the school helps participants to develop a variety of creative characteristics and skills in the arts. Using a range of materials and approaches, students are encouraged to see the world as a source of creative ideas and to explore, learn expressive skills, take artistic risks, and develop their own independent, artistic sensibilities.

One exciting program offered through the Community Arts School at SUNY New Paltz is the Saturday Arts Lab. The program offers dynamic education programming in the visual arts, theatre, and music for students from the kindergarten years through high school and even adult learners.

Jessica Poser, assistant professor of art and art education, and coordinator of the Saturday Arts Lab, described the program’s success this past year: “The first year of the Saturday Arts Lab was tremendously exciting and energizing. We offered 18 classes in the visual arts, music and theater. In the fall 2013 session, our classes were taught by advanced art education students and in the spring 2014, community artists and educators brought their expertise to the program,” she said. The result? “Saturdays filled with dynamic art making, experimentation and discovery,” she said. “The final exhibits showcased the amazing work of the students. We can’t wait to start again in fall 2014.”

According to Poser, all Saturday Arts Lab courses are taught under the supervision of Fine & Performing Arts faculty, and registration for the fall 2014 session is open now. To register visit http://www.newpaltz.edu/sal/register.html.