The Arts
The Arts Programs are designed to foster creativity in young people, and give them outlets for self-expression.
The BGC El Paso Arts program is offered at all EPISD school based clubs, including club Clendenin, club Crosby, Club Hughey, club Lee and Club Whitaker through our Creative Kids and Kids Excel partnerships.
The National Photography Program
The National Photography Program is designed to help youth ages 6 to 18 go beyond taking snapshots and develop the necessary skills to take photographs that can really impact the viewer. The current popularity and accessibility of photography makes it a powerful means to engage youth of all ages in creative programming, while simultaneously teaching them skills they will use for the rest of their lives. For some youth, photography opens a door to creative self-expression that no other art form allows. Others may discover a career path.
ImageMakers National Photography Contest
For more than 50 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has celebrated the accomplishments of Club youth as they learn the art and science of photography. After local and regional competitions, the ImageMakers National Photography Contest yields regional and national winners ages 6-18 whose photographs compete in several categories: Culture and Tradition, Portraits, Nature and Surroundings, Fashion and Style, and Editing and Filter. The annual contest is supported by Sony and by our National Photography Program, designed to help Club members go beyond taking simple snapshots and develop the skills to produce photographs that can truly impact a viewer.
Lyricism 101
Recognizing the power of the literary arts, Lyricism 101 positions Club members as torchbearers and experts in the ancient oral poetic traditions that continue to thrive around the world. The program gives teens an opportunity to tell their stories, build community and express their artistic visions through the music of hip-hop culture and the culture of the cipher.
Thanks to the support from Sprite and Coca-Cola, Boys & Girls Clubs of America launched Lyricism 101, our first program devoted to teens, in 2016.
DramaMatters Afterschool
Drama education builds self-confidence, sparks creativity and boosts academic achievement. The DramaMatters Afterschool Program Guide is a weekly program consisting of 60 minute sessions segmented for beginner, intermediate and advanced members. Each session can be adapted to fit the age of participants as well. Sessions consist of a short warm-up; a main activity of games, script work or performance; and a 10-minute cool-down. The Lessons in Stagecraft Program Guide includes many different ways for members to express themselves creatively, from costumes to set design or directing.
musicmakers
Young people need positive outlets for creative self-expression, and many have a keen interest in the performing arts. Musical study develops critical thinking, self-discipline, self-esteem, self-confidence and teamwork.
The goal of MusicMakers National Music Education Program is to promote young people’s natural love of music and to increase their appreciation of this art form while building their skills so they can express themselves using instruments such as the guitar or drums.
national fine arts exhibit
The National Fine Arts Exhibit encourages artistic recognition of Club members ages 6 to 18 by displaying drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media and sculpture at local and regional exhibits. A panel of distinguished judges selects works for inclusion in the National Fine Arts Exhibit, which is displayed the ensuing year at BGCA events, including the annual National Conference.
