CraftNOW and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are teaming up once again for CraftNOW Create, the city’s largest free art class aimed at engaging local students during summer break.
Since its inception, CraftNOW Create has catered to nearly 20,000 campers and continues to expand every year.
From July 7 to August 15, this arts-focused summer program will open 129 sites across various recreation centers in Philadelphia neighborhoods, providing an invaluable resource for the youth.
This year, CraftNOW plans to collaborate with local galleries and museums, including the Clay Studio, to offer more than 10,000 hours of free craft instruction to around 6,000 children.
Emily Edelstein, CraftNOW’s Executive Director, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership with Parks and Recreation, stating, “We’re very lucky to be partnering with Parks and Rec because it gives us an entrance to those neighborhoods.”
Edelstein also acknowledged the lack of arts and crafts education in public schools, highlighting the importance of providing artistic experiences to the next generation.
The program is designed to not only expose children to the arts but also to encourage them to express themselves creatively.
One of the innovative elements of CraftNOW Create is the inclusion of take-home kits, developed in collaboration with the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
These kits will provide students with additional materials to continue their artistic endeavors at home, including coloring materials and books.
Edelstein noted that the most significant component of these kits is the museum pass, which offers free admission to children and their families.
This pass allows a child and up to five family members free access to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Although the museum already provides free entry for those 18 and under, the financial burden often falls on parents and guardians who accompany them.
The generosity of the museum in allowing an entire family access is “incredibly generous,” according to Edelstein.
In addition to the main summer camp and the take-home kits, CraftNOW is also organizing craft-intensive Gap Week camps this summer.
These specialized camps allow children to engage in multi-day art instruction sessions and tours of famous Philadelphia galleries.
The Gap Week camps will be hosted at two recreation centers, starting with James Finnegan Playground in Elmwood Park and Feltonville’s Ferko Playground from June 23 to 27.
The second installment will take place at Eastwick Regional Playground in Clearview and Vare Recreation Center in Gray’s Ferry from August 18 to 22.
Edelstein explained the concept behind the Gap Week camps, noting, “It’s literally the gap between when public schools start and end.”
These fully funded week-long camps are designed for up to 30 kids and include a mix of teaching artist visits and field trips to local hotspots.
CraftNOW pays for transportation, providing children with opportunities to visit attractions like the Magic Gardens and engage with architects and designers during Design Philadelphia.
This summer, CraftNOW Create presents an excellent opportunity for parents seeking enriching experiences for their children by introducing them to the world of arts.
Edelstein emphasized the remarkable benefits of hands-on creativity, stating, “There’s something about the mind-body connection of, you know, putting your hands on clay or paper or paint and actually working with your hands.”
In a time when opportunities for artistic exploration are increasingly scarce, CraftNOW Create promises to ignite creativity and provide fun for Philadelphia’s youth.
With its comprehensive approach, there’s no doubt that the program will leave a lasting impact on the young artists of the city.
image source from：https://metrophiladelphia.com/craftnow-create-returns-summer/
