Free Teen Art is a free program for teens, who are interested in art-making as an enrichment activity that goes beyond making crafts. The aim of the program is to provide a space for youth to create art, share stories, collaborate, explore, and identify new ways to use art in their lives. The Athenaeum offers facilities, resources, guidance, instruction, and support. The open studio program includes a rotation of multidisciplinary art instructors offering workshops in their respective fields, as well as curricular activities that involve the use of the Athenaeum library resources as a starting point for projects. Activities include drawing, painting, research, and introduction to various media. Canada Kerwin has worked as a K–Grade 2 art volunteer since 2005, creating age-appropriate lessons that include introduction to art theory and artists’ biographies and tie-in to curricula as needed. Retired from the healthcare field, Canada also served in the US Navy. She applies her background experience to her ongoing art studies at Mira Costa College, focusing on the human form through life drawing and sculpture. She says, “Capturing the infinite expressions of the body through gesture and line is a very fascinating and gratifying practice.” Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Facebook / Instagram
