Summer Arts Institute 
and 
Friday Night Live

Oakland Unified School District's Summer Arts Institute

AHC has participated in OUSD's Summer Arts Institute for the past decade, bringing the Self As Super Hero curriculum to educators from all over the district and various classroom environments. It was an opportunity for teachers to express themselves artistically, focus on personal growth, engage in meaningful discussion about problems they see in the world and the schools in which they work, gain skills and methods that they can bring back into the classroom, and community build with others. 

Many of the participants faced similar challenges that ArtEsteem youth undergo when learning how to draw and paint. Initially, they doubted their ability to create something that they would be pleased with. However, by the end of the 3rd day, they were quite proud of what had been accomplished.

One participant said that the process "allowed (them) to be uncomfortable, which is important, then (they) were able to learn". Another urged future participants to "relax and enjoy the moment because art is fun, even when you don't consider yourself an artist". They learned about the importance of patience and encouragement and another about compassion, love and approachability. 

Many of them were "able to imagine and realize (themselves) as superheroes" and will use what they learned to "invigorate creativity within (their) students" for the future. Another reflected that the workshop "fit into (her) summer of self care" and that she "improved trusting (herself) and letting go". All important lessons, exemplifying the healing power of art.

Thank you to all our participants! 

Come Out for 
Friday Night Live!

AHC will be participating in Friday Night Live in West Oakland from Friday, July 10th-Friday, August 14th located on Brockhurst Street in between Market Street and San Pablo Avenue. Friday Night Live is a City of Oakland funded event focused on violence prevention and community building. AHC will be engaging kids, teens, adults, seniors and families in a community based art project each week. Make sure to come out and participate!!

AHC empowers individuals to be self-aware and inspired through arts, creativity and education, making positive choices to break the cycle of violence for themselves and their communities.
3278 West Street
Oakland, CA 94608


 510.652.5530 | [email protected] | www.ahc-oakland.org