Creating Together

Kala Gallery is excited to present Creating Together, the exhibition highlighting our arts education programs.

For over 35 years, Kala’s arts education programs have been at the heart of our work. As a community-oriented organization, Kala Art Institute is passionate about offering quality arts education for all local children, youth, and adults. The exhibition Creating Together highlights our collaboration with The Arts and Humanities Academy (AHA) and our arts education programs at Kala such as Artists-in-Schools (AIS), Teen Studio, After School Studio, Camp Kala, and Adult Art Classes. Join us to celebrate the amazing artwork created by artists and students of all ages and artistic experiences, including our teaching artists.

The Arts and Humanities Academy
The Arts and Humanities Academy (AHA) at Berkeley High School provides a unique high-level, arts-based education to a diverse group of students in grades 10-12. Creating original art requires deep learning and thinking. The exhibition at Kala showcases the powerful learning that engages our students. This exhibition allows students to share not just their finished products with parents and community members, but also to reflect on their problem-solving and perseverance during the creative process. Kala has been collaborating with AHA for many years as part of its Artists-in-Schools program, and we’re excited to feature artwork in our main gallery. AHA Reception is February 22, 2024, 6:30-8pm.

Adult Art Classes
Kala offers an array of workshops for adults. These programs connect communities of learners with the breadth of activity within the organization – distinguished teaching artists, exceptional equipment, and creative exchange. All Kala classes are taught by artists, are small in size, and utilize the equipment and space available in our facility. Classes are offered in a range of mediums, materials, and focuses, ranging from textiles to printmaking, photography, painting, and drawing.

Youth Arts Programs
At Kala, we nurture curiosity and creativity through the arts. Instructors are practicing artists who create a fun, responsive, and supportive studio environment for all young artists to share and celebrate art. In small classes, participants engage in skill-based artmaking activities and explore a variety of visual art media. Youth are introduced to diverse art-making practices, and local and contemporary artists of various intersections of identities, experiences, and backgrounds. Our young artists are encouraged to connect, experiment, and dive deep into the creative process.

Artists-in-Schools (AIS)
Kala’s AIS program builds strong connections with schools and youth in grades K-12 throughout the East Bay.  Professional artists conduct residencies that are tailored to meet the needs of each school and community space by working closely with teachers and staff to develop curricula and arts activities that both challenge students and captivate non-standard learners.  Many of our projects are interdisciplinary and connect art-making with other academic disciplines.

After School Studio Program
This program is geared for kids ages 6-11. Participants engage in skill-based instruction, hands-on structured projects, and open studio time to explore and experiment. Class activities include art-making, visits from guest artists, storytelling, gallery tours, games, and conversational and written reflections to help build an appreciation for art and the role of art(ists) in our community.

Teen Studio Program
Participants ages 11-17 engage in skill-based art-making and hands-on projects using a variety of visual art media. From drawing the figure to painting the landscape to printmaking and comics, students learn and develop technical and conceptual skills that support young people’s creative interests and personal growth.

Camp Kala Summer Youth Program
These fun and creative week-long camps are for youth ages 6-17 years interested in exploring art such as painting and drawing, mixed media, sculpture, digital photography, and more! Our art camps are led by Kala Art Institute’s fabulous teaching artists who work closely with campers to develop new art projects and artistic skills.