Art With Schools
School Programs
Our school programs are carefully designed to inform young people about the significance of the arts while also captivating their imaginations.
Would you like to bring your class to explore our galleries and activities? Simply reach out below to schedule a visit:
Brittany Shiver, Director of Programs + Engagement
bshiver@thomasvillearts.org
Live Theater at the Center
We are proud to provide local students the opportunity to experience the magic of live theater, which has the potential to broaden the students’ understanding of the world around them and connect them to one another.
This year, Thomasville Center for the Arts is excited to present the following three performances to our partner school systems:
- The Nutcracker: Behind the Scenes in partnership with South Georgia Ballet
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A Game Apart: The Story of Jackie Robinson performed by Mike Wiley
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Dancing Drum performed by Steve Campbell
Visiting Artists in the Schools
Thomasville Center for the Arts brings quality visiting artists to Thomas County school classrooms that provide relevant content-aligned art experiences to K-12 students. We are proud to feature the following artists during the 2024-2025 school year:
- Sydney Ellen Rawlings – Dance and Body Confidence workshops for Kindergarten – 5th graders
- Emily McKenna – “Empowerment Through Making” workshops for 6th – 8th graders
- Hananel Mavity Jackson – “Acting into Insight” intensive workshops for 9th – 12th graders
- Sam McCoy – “Artie’s Day Out, Illustration 101” for K – 5th graders
- Dixie Lee Hedrington – Inclusive Art Workshops for PreK + Kindergarten special needs students at Hand In Hand Primary School
Immersions at the Center
Our Immersions programs are designed to encourage literacy-based creative play for PreK- K grade students via an introduction to an art gallery, interactive Storytime, art + design activities, plus additional time to engage in free play.
For older students, our staff provides docent-led tours of current and historical art in our Galleries, at Grassroots, and/or the Center’s public art installations. Each Immersion features a follow up hands-on art experience to encourage critical thinking through art.
School Exhibitions at the Center
Our organization strives to highlight area school visual art programs and their art teachers by giving schools an opportunity to exhibit their art in a public space while also teaching students about the exhibition process.
Competitions & Scholarships
Throughout the year, Thomasville Center for the Arts strives to showcase student-artists in both the visual and performing arts by providing juried competitions and concerts designed to target a broader audience while also connecting students across school communities. Awards and scholarships are provided to encourage students’ continued training in the arts and to support local school art teachers and their programs.
Public Art in the Community
We enjoy providing opportunities for students to create public art that has the power to kindle wonder, ignite curiosity, and most importantly, to unify communities through conversation and creative thought. Check back for more information about public art opportunities for youth in our area!
Art Therapy in Local Schools
To confront the complex interplay of social, economic, and mental health factors affecting youth in our community, Thomasville Center for the Arts provides an art therapy program to local schools that offers a creative and holistic approach to addressing mental health concerns, fostering resilience and promoting emotional growth among participants.