ART AFTER SCHOOL AT BLOOMBARS

The last class of the Early 2012 Art After School session at BloomBars took place on March 14th, and I wanted to write a little note here to honor its happening. In my opinion, the session was a total success. I had the opportunity to work with a great group of kids in the unique second-floor space of BloomBars, which really is a strong creative force in the community with so much to offer (seriously - check it out). I'm very grateful to BloomBars founder and magic-maker John Chambers for working with me on this program, to the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities for making it possible, and to the creative kids and supportive parents who made the whole thing worthwhile.  Thanks, guys!! I hope to see more of you in the future.

ART AFTER SCHOOL AT BLOOMBARS

If you aren't already familiar with BloomBars in Columbia Heights, it is most definitely a spot worth checking out. It's very likely they have at least one class or event that piques your interest, if not many more, and it's an inspiring example of a DIY, non-profit, creative entity that has fostered and continues to build on a sincere sense of community. From the BloomBars website:

BloomBars is not something you can easily describe. Some have called it an artist and non-profit incubator, performance space, art gallery, theater, dance studio, screening room, youth academy, and center for health, wellness, and community engagement-They were all correct.

Established in 2008 in Washington, DC’s burgeoning Columbia Heights neighborhood, BloomBars is driven by a volunteer team of artists, educators, and community and business leaders. Redefining the perception of a bar, BloomBars does not serve or allow alcohol on its premises fostering a safe and family-friendly environment.

BloomBars has movie screenings, poetry readings, fitness classes, art workshops, Samba-dancing babies, and lots more, including. . . an Art After School Program run by yours truly happening right NOW! The Art After School program is normally a register-and-pay program (as its humble Director does need to buy supplies and occasionally some groceries, too), but this session of Art After School at BloomBars has been generously funded in part by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and is consequently essentially free (a $5 donation to BloomBars is suggested) and open to all between the ages of 7 and 12. Please spread the word to anyone you know who may be interested - We'd love to have as many students as possible taking advantage of this class while it's still running. We may even extend the class an extra week or two. 

Full description of AAS program and classes after the jump.