A Weekly Art Club for Creative Teens
For middle and high school students, academic, extracurricular, and social pressures can add up to a demanding everyday environment. With this in mind, Art for the Journey’s weekly program at the independent Carmel School in Ruther Glen, VA takes the form of a pop-up art studio, where students get to shake off the stress of the day by exploring new art media, creating original artwork, and contributing to collaborative art projects.
With the support of trained artists and teachers, students come to “Art for the Journey Club” at the end of the school day to discover their own creative voice while connecting with one another in a fun, peaceful atmosphere. As they work on a variety of art projects, students are mindfully focused on the present moment, and able to channel their energy into something besides grades. The low-key atmosphere of the art “studio” calms anxieties, while the creative synergy of a maker-space inspires students to explore new skills and ideas.
Freedom to Explore and Create
Art for the Journey Club is open to students in grades 6-12 at The Carmel School. Artists participate in the club throughout the entire academic year, and are able to explore a variety of art media — from acrylic paint and oil pastels to printmaking and papier mâché.
While materials and inspiration are provided by AFJ’s club leaders each week, students are encouraged to embrace their own creative voices. Just like our students, every work of art produced is completely one-of-a-kind!
Experience the Joy of Creating in Community
Would you like to help us promote wellbeing for young people through hands-on art-making? We are always looking for caring and dedicated volunteers to help us carry out our mission. Volunteers at The Carmel School help set up and break down the pop-up art studio, pour paint and distribute materials for participants, and foster a positive, encouraging atmosphere. (Prior experience making art is not required!) If you are interested in supporting AFJ’s work, please click the button below to complete our Volunteer Interest Survey.
Discover the Power of Art
Our AFJ Club sessions encourage creativity, growth, and community.
Inspiring Sessions
Our weekly sessions invite students to experiment with materials and processes inspired by real-world artists and their work.
Community Collaboration
The Carmel art club brings together AFJ staff, volunteers, and students for a collaborative and supportive environment.
Fostering Well-Being
Through art and personal expression, we promote overall well-being, joy, and a sense of achievement that’s not dependent on grades or test scores.
Nurturing Growth
Students are encouraged to challenge themselves with new art media — like monoprints, batik, and Shibori — and are taught to appreciate the process as much as the product.
Art Club in Action
Take a look at our talented students and the things they’ve created at AFJ Club!
