Ephraim, Wis. (April 8, 2024) — Each year, Gibraltar High School students set aside textbooks in exchange for brushes, tools, and cameras, immersing themselves in a day devoted to nurturing their creative instincts. Led by Gibraltar High School and Friends of Gibraltar (FOG), in collaboration with The Francis Hardy Center for the Arts, Inc. (The Hardy Gallery), this initiative, known as Exposure To Creativity (ETC), encourages students to explore their artistic potential through dynamic workshops. This year’s ETC, held on March 12, 2024, promised an enriching experience.
Guided by Artistic Mentors renowned artists including Kelly Bresnahan, Deanna Clayton, Ryan Dayton, Teresa Lind, Suzanne Rose, Jeremy Popelka, Stephanie Trenchard, Joslyn Villapando, and James Viste dedicated a full day to sharing their expertise and passion with Gibraltar High School students.
Since its inception in 2007, the ETC program, a collaboration between FOG and The Hardy Gallery, has played a pivotal role in nurturing artistic exploration among Gibraltar High School students. This year, students had the opportunity to participate in nine diverse workshops covering a wide array of artistic disciplines such as photography, blacksmithing, glassblowing, and woodturning.
More than mere skill-building exercises, these workshops aim to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts and their role within the community. By providing hands-on experiences and exposing students to local artistic talent, the ETC program creates a supportive environment where creativity flourishes.
Funding for the ETC Program is generously provided by the Wisconsin Arts Board, the National Endowment for the Arts, and private donations. Additionally, The Hardy Gallery collaborates with other local non-profit arts organizations such as The Clearing Folk School and Lawrence University’s Bjorklunden, which generously offered their spaces to hold workshops – united in their commitment to enriching Door County’s cultural landscape through education.
Through the ETC program, Gibraltar High School students are encouraged not only to explore their artistic potential but also to forge meaningful connections within their community. As they embark on this creative journey, they are empowered to embrace their unique talents and contribute to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Door County.
Looking ahead the ETC Program continues to provide meaningful artistic experiences for local youth in Door County. This year’s program accommodated 100 students from Gibraltar High School across various grade levels. As we recover from the pandemic, we aim to bring the beloved program back to full capacity, including its subsequent mentorship program.
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