ArtEsteem
Since 1995, AHC’s award-winning art and literacy program has helped develop creative, engaged and successful children/youth through building knowledge and emotional, social, academic and intellectual skills.

Art Classes For Children & Youth
During and after-school Visual Art, Cultural Arts (rhythm
and sound), and Fashion Design classes combine Attitudinal
Healing concepts, art instruction, and classroom-management
tools in an art integrated curriculum linked to the State
of California Academic Content Standards.

Visual Art
The Visual Arts class provides a multi-disciplinary curriculum that takes children/youth through a journey of self-exploration, critical thinking, family and cultural research, societal assessment, and the use of aesthetic tools for skill development and artistic creation. Students learn, but are not limited to, basic drawing, printmaking, and painting techniques.

Fashion Design
The Fashion Design Class is based on the investigation of self through an exploration of respect, confidence, performance and industry. The class is a study of fashion design and textile design. Students explore the historical and cultural influences in fashion and learn basic hand stitching, fabric-dyeing methods, textile design, and how to use a sewing machine.

Cultural Art
The Cultural Arts class provides students with cognitive learning opportunities through drumming in a cultural and language rich environment. The curriculum incorporates phonics, the twin concepts of rhythm and sound, and cultural codes of conduct from various parts of Africa and other parts of the world.

ArtEsteem School Assemblies
The school assemblies consist of rhythm, sound, and storytelling from Africa and other parts of the world to educate and entertain students/staff. There is a lot of hands-on audience participation, e.g. movement, playing drums and other musical instruments onstage with the presenter.

Youth Leadership
Former ArtEsteem students work as volunteers and/or paid Youth Assistants and gain experience in various art fields, learn civic engagement and advocacy, learn office skills, and receive support developing life skills and preparing for college.

Art Education for Educators
ArtEsteem trains educators in art integration methods and strategies, showing teachers how to develop visually engaging lessons to enhance educational
content and involve students in creative, hands-on art making that improves their comprehension, critical thinking, and achievement. ArtEsteem also holds training
workshops for teachers several times each year at the AHC center in Oakland and/or other venues. Continuing Education Units are available.