Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey and Eastern PA Announces New Workshops

Young Audiences Arts for Learning (YA) is excited to welcome a new group of talented teaching artists to its roster and to announce new programs from existing roster artists.

As part of YA’s mission to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts, these accomplished teaching artists will lead interactive assemblies and workshops in schools. The artists represent a wide range of talents and art forms.

Andrés Cisneros - Music

Latin Rhythms | Latin Rhythms is an engaging, hands-on percussion residency where students explore the foundational rhythms of Latin America while building creativity, collaboration, and cultural awareness through ensemble music-making. For grades K-12.

Hyun Jin Cha - Music

Tta-Kung! Rhythm of Korea | Students experience traditional Korean percussion arts and culture. Participants have the opportunity to learn about and play Korean percussion instruments. They explore unique rhythms, musical compositions, and other various elements of performance such as costume colors, body gestures and Korean language. For grades K-12.

To schedule a program, fill out a programming inquiry form or reach out to Donna Reckelhoff, Programming Director, at donnajr@yanjep.org or 866-500-9265.

Existing roster artists who are offering new workshops include:

Molly Gaston Johnson - Visual Arts

Pressing Pause: Observational Drawing | Develop drawing as an expressive, mental health, and community-building practice, unplugged from electronic input. Students engage with the real world around them as they seek out important places and things, record them in sketch form, and share their work. For grades 8-12.

Vessel as Metaphor | Boxes and bags transform through papier-mache into precious containers symbolizing the self. The perfect challenge for older students, this workshop invites them to consider the inner and outer self and to explore the possibility of change. Methods and materials focus on three-dimensional and symbolic thinking. For grades 6-12.

Stitch a Symbol: Expression Identity Through Fabric with Rebecca Kelly - Visual Arts

Students work with burlap fabric stretched on embroidery hoops to stitch a simple symbol. This symbol is chosen to represent each student's identity, culture, or favorite activity, allowing for personal expression through textile art. For all grades.

The Art of Bharatanatyam Dance with Ramya Ramnarayan - Dance

Students experience a combination of history, storytelling, movement, vocabulary, cultural history, and legacy. Through the traditions of Bharatanatyam dance, students engage with classical Indian music, rhythm, foot work, hand gestures (mudras), and eye movements to express story and emotions in powerful ways. For grades K-5.

YA’s artist roster is carefully vetted to ensure that our teaching artists are highly skilled professionals who both educate and excel in their art forms. Each artist undergoes a rigorous audition and review process, guaranteeing that schools receive the highest quality arts education experience. In addition, each artist collaborates with Young Audiences staff and school partners to ensure that schools receive programming that aligns with school priorities and needs.

To schedule a program, fill out a programming inquiry form or reach out to Donna Reckelhoff, Programming Director, at donnajr@yanjep.org or 866-500-9265.

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About Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey and Eastern PA

Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern PA, established in 1973, is the leading arts-in-education resource in the region, offering artist-led performances, workshops, residencies, and professional learning programs to schools across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. With an extensive roster of professional teaching artists spanning various art forms, Young Audiences has impacted more than 15 million children in its 50-year history. Committed to inspiring young minds and fostering inclusive learning environments, Young Audiences strives to ensure that every child receives rich and meaningful arts experiences. Through diverse and accessible programs, the organization aims to strengthen arts education, meet curriculum standards, and enrich cultural life in communities throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit yanjep.org.