CAW's After School Art Works is comprised of twelve-week after school art apprenticeships designed to build artistic and social skills, increase opportunities for positive adult mentorship and empower teens through the creation of artwork that is publicly acknowledged by peers, families, and the community. Apprenticeships are led by teaching artists and focus on a particular artistic medium. They are held twice a week for 1.5 to 2 hours each session, with an enrollment of 12-15 teens per apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are free for students enrolled in the school in which the program is being held, but in order to participate, students must commit to regular attendance and appropriate behavior. Over the course of the apprenticeship, participating youth will become 'experts' in their artistic medium. The apprenticeships culminate in the creation of artistic products that are displayed and/or performed in the community.
CAW started with one pilot apprenticeship in the fall of 2005. The program quickly expanded and CAW now holds 4-6 after school art apprenticeships each semester. The program is currently held at partner schools including: Thurgood Marshall Academy in Harlem, MS 326/8 and Washington Heights Academy in Washington Heights, and IS 52 in Inwood. Program sponsors include the Abyssinian Development Corporation and the New York Presbyterian Hospital's Center for Community Health and Education.
