ArtReach Classes
ArtReach GW provides free, high-quality fine arts education, expressive and therapeutic art classes, and advanced fine arts college preparation facilitated by GW Corcoran alumni and local teaching artists to more than 200 youth and families who reside in DC Wards 7 & 8, and nearby Prince George's County, MD.
Summer 2025 CLASSES
ArtReach GW Summer Intensive
The ArtReach GW Summer Intensive program provides a free opportunity for high school students to engage in professional practices that will support their artistic development. In addition to developing fine arts skills, creating new works for portfolios, and going on field trips to DC museums and galleries, students will take part in workshops facilitated by local artists and design professionals that foster career and learning skills. This program is a free program and spaces are limited. Priority is given to DC Ward 7 and 8 students.
Spring 2025 CLASSES
Registration Opens Thursday, January 16th, 2025
Youth Classes
Fashion Upcycling |In-person | 5th - 8th Grade
Feb 18th - Apr 27th | Tuesdays | 6 - 7:30 PM
Fashion Upcycling will provide an accessible introduction to clothing customization. Students will learn techniques in hand-sewing, fabric manipulation, embellishment, and other skills in order to transform clothing items into one-of-a-kind garments! Students will also explore and discuss matters around the creative design process, sustainability, and self-expression. All levels of experience are welcomed.
Archi-Builders| In-person | 3rd - 8th Grade
Mar 5th - Apr 30th | Wednesdays | 6 - 7:30 PM
In this course, students will tap into their creativity to explore the principles of architecture and engineering. They will learn the design process employed by architects, working individually and collaboratively to transform initial concepts into a completed design. Along the way, students will develop presentation skills, enabling them to confidently share their skills and experiences. By the end of the course, participants will create a scale model of their own architectural design. This class is In partnership with the Washington Architectural Foundation. All levels of experience are welcomed.
REGISTER HERE!
Developing Young Artists: Art Essentials | In-person | 3rd - 8th Grade
Feb 20th - May 1st | Thursdays | 6 - 7:30 PM
This class is for new and returning young artists who are eager to enhance their fine arts skills. Through these sessions, students will engage in hand-on activities, including drawing, painting, and mixed media to strengthen their foundational techniques. They will explore how to create lifelike drawings as well as abstract works of art, gaining versatility in their artistic expression. In addition to developing practical skills, students will learn about significant movements in art history and discover the work of contemporary artists. This class also offers guidance on developing an arts portfolio. No prior experience required.
Digital Illustration: Character Design | Virtual | High School Students
Feb 18th - Apr 29th | Tuesdays | 6 - 7:30 PM
Characters are one of the most vital points to the creation of a story. In this class we will focus on the basics of digital illustration, storytelling, and character design. We will learn how a character is made from initial concepts all the way up to a finished character sheet you would find in an Art Book from your favorite movie. Students will learn about anatomy, posing, shape language, expressions and more and how to combine it all into a complete character. Procreate or Clip Studio Paint(free) are the programs needed for this course. Laptops and tablets are preferred devices for this class.
Filmmaking as Self-Expression | Virtual | High School Students
March 6 - April 26th | Thursdays | 6 - 7:30 PM
Explore filmmaking as a powerful tool for self-expression in this course is designed for middle and high school students, offering creative and accessible ways for students to share their thoughts and ideas through film. In this course, students will learn the essentials of video production—camera techniques, editing, and sound design—while diving into the art of pairing compelling visuals with meaningful words. All you need to participate is a smartphone to film and edit your work (though students with additional equipment are welcome to use it). This course is an opportunity to gain new skills, build creative confidence, and discover how film can help students share their personal story. No prior experience is necessary—just bring imagination and a smartphone!
Portfolio Development: Figure Drawing and Painting | In-person at GW Corcoran | High School Students
March 1 - April 26th | Saturdays | 10 am - 1 pm
The ArtReach GW Portfolio Development classes provide advanced arts training and portfolio development. Students learn to develop portfolio pieces that express their own creative voice while strengthening their figure drawing and painting skills Students will enhance observational drawing skills, understanding of anatomy and proportions, and develop a full understanding of medium and techniques. This class introduces conceptual thinking, problem solving, and elements of composition to create artwork that better represent each student’s individual creativity and drawing skill.