Photo by Leslie Mansour.
This post is sponsored by Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
By Megan Cheek
Ten years ago, I moved from Georgia to Capitol Hill, took a walk in my new neighborhood, and literally stumbled upon the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. Since then, I’ve been hooked as a student, employee, and now a parent.
So what keeps me coming back? When I walk through CHAW’s colorful doors, I truly feel as if I’m getting a glimpse of what is right in the world. I see people of all ages interacting, exploring, experiencing, and creating. Neighbors who may not go to school together, work together, or interact in other ways, find common ground through their artistic expressions.
I also see the smiles on my daughters’ faces as they see their friends in music class, pick up an instrument, dance around the room, and just feel free to move and sing.
I know I may be a bit biased given my long-standing CHAW history. But, as I take a look around, I find other folks who feel the same way. Time and time again, I come across people who went to CHAW as children and have now returned as adult students or as parents to current students in our youth programs. Talk about a legacy!
So I took to the halls and asked other parents specifically “Why CHAW?”
“As parents, we send our kids to CHAW because we think the arts are an important part of learning and because of the strong sense of community we have found there. Our kids keep asking to go back to CHAW because they love the teachers and counselors and there is such a variety of classes – there is always something that interests them!”
– Jenn Withers, mom to Bernie, age 7 and Charlotte, age 4
“My dear daughter has been going to CHAW since age 5 – summer arts camp and after-school programs – ceramics, sewing, jewelry-making, and theater over the many years. At CHAW, she explores her creative side in a nurturing environment that combines the finer points of art instruction with pure exuberant expression! Our home bursts with her masterpieces (none of which she’ll let me give away as gifts). There is something so authentic in her experience. Today, we were picking out her fall classes, and she couldn’t decide… ‘I love them all, Mom. Oh, I love that teacher! CHAW is like family.’ My heart soared.”
– Victoria Dunning, mom to Grace, age 9
At the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop we understand that you have many options for your child at the end of the school day. We believe that you can take advantage of the best that after care programs have to offer and still make room for a special Splash of Color with an art class (or two!) at CHAW. We’ve been building community through the arts for over 40 years and invite you to come and see for yourself why CHAW was named the winner of 2012 Best in the City awards for “arts classes for kids” and “arts classes” in The Washington Post Express.
New classes for all ages start September 3, 2013. For a list of classes and more information, visit www.chaw.org or call (202) 547-6839.
** Let CHAW add a Splash of Color to Your Child’s Week at a discount. Bring us your aftercare receipt or mention the code “Best2013” and receive 25% off a day at CHAW (includes van service and up to two classes; not valid with any other deals).