Artists in Schools is a curriculum-based experiential arts learning program where working artists come into schools to teach young people.

By bringing the arts where kids live and learn, the Artists in Schools program: 

• Builds confidence and creative thinking through the arts
• Deepens a sense of student’s connection to their community
• Contributes to the development of more well-rounded, emotionally balanced adults
• Prevents our most vulnerable children from falling through the cracks

En Español

We are so thankful for the incredible year-long program that Arcata Playhouse offers and our students look forward to participating in it every year!

Sarah Hughes, Pacific Union School, 4th Grade

Mask Making and Performance

A visual artist instructs students over the course of 10 weekly one-hour lessons to create giant “hat masks.” A performing artist then instructs students for eight weekly lessons to devise, or in other words, create an original play using the masks the students made. This play can be performed either for another class, the whole school, or even an after-school event for families. 

Shadow Puppetry

A teaching artist instructs students over the course of 10 weekly one-hour lessons to create their own shadow puppet play. Students create use a variety of materials to create their own puppets and settings. At the end of the program the class with present their show to a audience on campus.

The Wonder Wagon

This is a mobile art service that can show up for short-duration visits to after-school programs. Teaching artists can lead a wide variety of activities during a visit, such as paper mask-making, shadow puppet creation, improvisational games, bookmaking, clowning, painting, etc.