The Artist in Residence (AIR) program of Rehoboth Christian and Gallup Catholic Schools presents an exciting opportunity for students, staff, and community. While strengthening the growing alliance between the two schools , the program also emphasizes to students the vital alliance of their spiritual and cultural identities through art.

Through the development of the Artist in Residence (AIR) program, students and teachers have the opportunity to work extensively with accomplished local and outside artists of various cultures. Following an introductory session, artists guide students in their area of expertise through in-depth, hands on workshops lasting from two to three weeks. Workshops will be offered to students of all ages throughout the course of the program. The AIR program explores a variety of art disciplines such as painting, mural, sculpture and mixed media art, as well as traditional and culturally relevant techniques such as jewelry making and Navajo weaving. Within each workshop, art students of both RCS and GCS are able to work together and share ideas.

“The AIR experience will improve students abilities to relate to their peers and communicate their ideas through art, while working to appreciate what motivates and inspires others.” says Ami Collar, art teacher at GCS. As the students work together on collaborative projects, they will have opportunities to interact, share ideas, and discover the many important ways in which they are connected.

   “Students at RCS and GCS have more in common than they might realize. Our hope is that the AIR   program will bring students together on the common  ground of visual art, and that they will form positive Christ-centered relationships with one another. The ultimate goal is for students who share a faith to use art as a strengthening agent, and a way to encourage one another to share that faith with family, friends, community and the world.” (Andy Stravers, RCS art teacher)

Residence for artists is provided on Rehoboth’s campus. Through this students are able to take part in a more substantial experience as artists participate in additional school activities. Upon the conclusion of each workshop, an art showcase is held making it possible for families and community members to support and share in the program. Finished pieces by students and artists are displayed and put up for auction to raise financial support for the program, students, and artists.

Visual art continues to play a significant role in the cultural traditions of the region. As students in the AIR program practice culturally relvant artistic techniques in a Christian environment, they can gain a sense of the significance of these traditions, and be encouraged to explore and preserve them.

Through the AIR Program we hope to see students “strive to use the visual arts as a form of worship, self discovery, and to communicate to the world the good news of Christ.” (Andy Stravers).

The program provides students with the opportunity to:
• Develop relationships and interact with other students from the community as well as with professional artists from various regions.
• Better understand and express their identity as Christians and culturally unique individuals.
• Further explore and appreciate their faith and culture, and the cultures of others through visual art.
• Develop skills in a variety of unique artistic mediums and have opportunities to showcase their work.

We look forward to the many ways in which the AIR program will enrich the lives of our students, families and community.

For more information on this program and related events please contact:

Joy Burmeister 
(505) 726-9684 
jburmeister@rcsnm.org 
Rehoboth Christian School