Arts Education
We believe that every child in San Benito County deserves equitable access to Arts Education. Our Arts in Education Program aims to create first-rate, diverse and accessible learning opportunities in the arts for youth and families in San Benito County. Read more about our programs and offerings below.
Explore our online Arts Education resources, activities, lessons & video tutorials as we create at home. *Recursos de educación artística aquí.
View galleries of student artwork & video performances at the virtual 2021 San Benito County Arts Showcase.
Artists in the Schools Program
Serves over 6,000 elementary & middle school students at 17 local schools in San Benito County. Our Artists in the Schools Program enriches students’ learning experiences by bringing the arts directly into the schools through Cultural Assemblies and Special Residencies. By partnering with artists, teachers, administrators, PTOs and other artistic and educational organizations we are able to leverage the resources we have to help make this vision a reality. To see our current offerings & workshops, view our Arts in Education Catalog.
Pre-K Art Program
Serves over 200 students, ages 3-6, at nine local preschools throughout San Benito County. Our Pre-K Art Program provides hands-on art workshops with professional artists at local preschools, as well as exhibition opportunities.
3rd-5th Grade Visual Art Program
Serves over 2,000 students. In partnership with the Hollister School District and the Aromas San Juan Union School District, this program provides weekly art classes taught by professional teaching artists to every 3rd, 4th and 5th grade student.
3rd Grade Music Program
Serving 3rd grade students at three Hollister School District sites, this new program introduces students to musical expression through singing and the use of rhythm instruments.
Environmental Literacy Project
Explores science and conservation through performance, poetry, fine art, technology and field trips.
After School Art Program
Serves local under-served youth with FREE after school arts programming in Ceramics and Mariachi Music in partnership with the Youth Alliance’s programs at RO Hardin Elementary and Calaveras schools.
Teacher Workshops
In partnership with the San Benito County Office of Education (SBCOE), this program serves local educators in San Benito County with specialized workshops on arts integration. The Teacher Workshop Series consists of 3 arts-based workshops November-May. Professional development credit is available through the SBCOE.
Learn more about our upcoming Art & Healing Workshops on our Professional Development page.
Poetry Out Loud
This national poetry recitation competition, founded by the National Endowment for the Arts, encourages high school students to learn about great poetry –both classic and contemporary- through memorization, performance, and competition. Local high school students are invited to participate in this exciting annual event. This year’s event, our 6th annual, will take place online on Friday, Feb. 5th, at 6 pm. Join us for our San Benito County Poetry Out Loud Celebration.
San Benito Arts Now Community
An advocacy coalition of local leaders and stakeholders invested in arts education. Our goal is to make sure that every child in San Benito County has access to a quality arts education. To learn more about the recent Arts Now Summit or to get involved, please contact us.