POAC brings arts to area youth

SANDPOINT — More than 850 of the community's youth got to explore the arts through the Pend Oreille Arts Council's Kaleidoscope art program.

The program, which began in 1992 as a collaboration between POAC and the Community Assistance League, brought quality art experiences to children in seven Lake Pend Oreille School District elementary schools. Programs were also shared with students at Idaho Hill Elementary in the West Bonner County School District.

Deb Lafrenz and Kathy Borders were instrumental in developing the program and getting it going, Tone Stolz, POAC executive director, said.

"It was an answer to having no art teachers in the elementary schools," she said.

The program began in the third grade only, growing to include fourth- and fifth-grade students, and finally sixth graders by 1999. Its curriculum was developed in conjunction to the high school curriculum and has been updated and modified over time to meet the learning targets of art education, Stolz said.

"During this past school year from October to May, children in grades three to six benefited from art lessons taught by 31 dedicated volunteers," she added. "We are so grateful for our volunteers who give their time, energy and passion for working with kids."

The lessons are designed on a year-to-year continuum to teach the elements of art such as line, color and shape, POAC officials said. Some of the schools have an art specialist and POAC staff and volunteers working to enhance that instruction.  The program is not only fun for the students, Stolz said it prepares them for advanced critical thinking coursework in high school and beyond.

“I’ve worked with kids that have an incredible talent for art,” said one volunteer. “We also provide an opportunity for kids to feel success where they might not otherwise.” 

“I feel such pride when seeing kids who have struggled to overcome frustrations,” said another. “I see happy kids being able to show their art with confidence.”

Stolz said the county's teachers are supportive of Kaleidoscope and appreciate the continuum of learning.  One third-grade teacher said she appreciates how the lessons build upon each other throughout the year and most importantly, from grade level to grade level. 

"Teachers are also seeing the benefit of Kaleidoscope," she added. "They see it as more than just art. It’s another opportunity within the classroom to build community. Kids are practicing problem-solving and are gaining in self-confidence."

Through the Kaleidoscope program, POAC provides all the art materials needed for the lessons as well as lesson plans and volunteer training.

Volunteers are crucial to the success of Kaleidoscope. Many of the volunteers have been teaching the lessons for years. Others are completely new to the program. Volunteers are often parents or grandparents of the children. Many local artists volunteer although an art background is not necessary. Kaleidoscope is the perfect volunteer opportunity for individuals who enjoy working with children.

The Kaleidoscope Program needs more volunteers for the 2024-25 school year. Those interested and would like more information may contact the Pend Oreille Arts Council office at 208-263-6139 or poacasst1@gmail.com.