2009 Creative Connections Visual and Performing Arts Symposium

Creative Connections, the annual six-day Visual and Performing Arts symposium for talented DoDDS-Europe high school students, will be held November 15-20.

The week of intensive instruction challenges students to explore new creative avenues and refine their skills to the highest levels. As one instructor described it, "Creative Connections is a whole semester of Fine Arts packed into one week." This year, over 250 students submitted applications and samples of their artwork to be reviewed by a panel of fine arts educators. Student essays and teacher recommendations were carefully reviewed and one hundred fifty students were invited to attend the symposium.

Creative Connections wouldn't be possible without the significant contributions of the Host Nation Liaison, Program Director, Evening Program Coordinator, Nurse, Dean of Men, Dean of Women, and Assistant Instructors. This on-site administrative staff works as a team to ensure the week runs smoothly.

Classes are taught by experienced DoDDS teachers and contracted art specialists and vary each year. This year's offerings include dance, drama, show choir, strings, "garage band," video production, sculpture, oil pastels, drawing, mixed-media and digital imaging techniques. The theme is "Epiphany--" a sudden insight, flash of comprehension, or understanding.

Instruction culminates the evening of Thursday, November 19th with an exhibition of artwork created by students in the visual arts classes, followed by a stage show featuring performing arts students. Teachers, parents, and school administrators are invited to attend the exciting celebration, which opens in the art gallery at 5:00 PM.

Remembering last years SY 2008-2009 Creative Connections Event