A four-week summer arts program for youth will return to downtown Charlotte Amalie next month, offering students ages 9 to 15 hands-on instruction in visual art, creative writing and performance-based practices, 81C Arts announced in a press release.
“Expression Through the Arts” by 81C Arts will run from June 22 through July 17 at the organization’s Creative Education Center inside the historic Camille Pissarro House. The program is free for participating students and families through scholarship support provided by IPB and ICMC, according to the press release.
According to organizers, the program is led by instructor Dyonna Potter and is designed to provide students with “consistent, hands-on engagement in creative work while building confidence, communication skills, and critical thinking through artistic exploration.”
Now entering its third year, the program will incorporate active exhibition programming at the Camille Pissarro House, allowing students to engage alongside 81C Arts’ upcoming “Birth Papers” fine art exhibition curated by LEHWE Projects and supported in part by Princeton University, the press release stated.
Organizers said the expanded framework is intended to connect students with real-world gallery and exhibition practices, including installation awareness and curatorial thinking.
The curriculum includes drawing, painting, mixed media and interdisciplinary activities, with students ultimately developing independent work for a public showcase exhibition at the conclusion of the program, the release stated.
In addition to studio instruction, visiting artists and creative professionals will contribute specialized sessions throughout the four-week schedule, the release stated.
Applications for the 2026 program are now open at 81CVI.ORG.
