Arts for Learning WNY and Artpark Partner to Expand Summer Arts Experiences for Children and Families in Niagara County

This summer, Arts for Learning WNY and Artpark are forging a partnership that will expand on summer arts experiences available to children and families in Niagara County. Arts for Learning WNY Teaching Artists will join established summer programs offered by Artpark to broaden the creative outlets available to the local community. This collaboration marks a continuation of a sustained effort from Arts for Learning WNY to broaden partnerships and offerings in Niagara County. 

Wonder Wednesdays

Artpark’s Wonder Wednesdays series invites children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to participate in two hours of sensory exploration through the arts. Held on the Artpark grounds, the series offers opportunities for young children to engage in guided artistic play, nature exploration, storytelling, and creative discovery alongside a variety of teaching artists and workshop leaders.

This summer, Arts for Learning WNY Teaching Artists are set to lead workshops at four Wonder Wednesdays. Between interactive story-theater, explorations of the world of color, and hands-on clay activities, this collaboration is providing a wide array of opportunities. Arts for Learning WNY Teaching Artists will contribute to the following Wonder Wednesdays sessions:

Wonder Wednesday: All About the Ocean

July 1, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Teaching Artist Kelly Betschen will guide participants through ocean-inspired creativity with a hands-on clay experience exploring sea creatures and the underwater world.

Wonder Wednesday: All About Color

July 8, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Teaching Artist Kristin Brandt will introduce young artists to the world of color through watercolor exploration and creative play.

Wonder Wednesday: All About Dinosaurs

July 15, 10:00am - 12:00pm

The Wondermakers will lead an interactive storytelling experience inviting children to explore the prehistoric world of dinosaurs.

Wonder Wednesday: All About the Farm

August 18. 10:00am - 12:00pm

The Wondermakers will engage children and caregivers in a farm-inspired storytelling experience filled with imagination and creativity.

For more information about Wonder Wednesdays: https://www.artpark.net/event/100195/wonder-wednesdays 

Artcamp

Artpark’s week-long summer art camp, Artcamp, presents youth ages 9-14 with an opportunity to explore a wide variety of artistic avenues through a cohesive program designed to spark imagination, cultivate artistic voice, and develop talents. 

Arts for Learning WNY Teaching Artist Laura Chenault

Teaching Artist Laura Chenault will lead a pair of bookbinding Fine Art workshops at Artcamp. Participants will explore the art of bookmaking while learning creative techniques and building their own handmade books.

For more information about 2026 Artcamps: https://www.artpark.net/event/100168/2026-artcamps 

Commitment to Niagara County and WNY

This partnership reflects a shared commitment of Arts for Learning WNY and Artpark to connect children and families with high-quality arts experiences and professional artists in Niagara County and throughout Western New York.

Support for this partnership is provided by the Niagara Area Foundation, whose investment helps strengthen access to arts learning opportunities and community engagement throughout Niagara County.

To learn more about Arts for Learning WNY and upcoming arts learning opportunities, visit https://www.artsforlearningwny.org/upcomingevents