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Hardy Wraps Up ETC Workshops

November 15 concluded the workshop component of the Francis Hardy Center for the Arts ETC (Exposure to Creativity) program, coordinated in collaboration with Gibraltar Schools and Friends of Gibraltar. Gibraltar High School students participated in workshops led by local creative professionals and explored the areas of woodworking, culinary arts, fashion design, interior design, acting, songwriting, architecture, painting, dance and graphic design.

“There was so much enthusiasm radiating from the students after both sessions,” said Jan Comstock, executive director of the Hardy. “It was clear that the students were thrilled with the opportunity to explore creative fields void in their current curriculum.”

ETC began with the compilation of a database to facilitate interaction between local creative professionals and the community. The database will be administered and maintained by the Hardy and will provide schools, parents, and other local organizations with information on resources in the visual, performing, literary, design and applied arts in Door County.

Gibraltar High School students had the opportunity to choose two workshops from more than 20 different creative fields. Each four-hour workshop also included a special hands-on activity so the students were able to utilize their individual creative skills. One Gibraltar High School senior wrote, “I was able to express myself without the worry of judgment.”

A field trip to the Hardy Gallery to view “The Creative Process” exhibit in early September officially launched the program. A spring 2008 exhibition at the Link Gallery will showcase the work produced in the workshops and the establishment of an arts mentorship program is yet to come. An impressive 42 percent of Gibraltar High School students responded to continue in the program through small group mentorship.

ETC has been supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the state of Wisconsin, Gibraltar Schools, Friends of Gibraltar and private donors.

For more information about the ETC program please call 920.854.2210 or send e-mail to [email protected].