Introduction to the Art We There Yet Project
Art We There Yet is an initiative co-founded by artist José Luis Vílchez and musician Cora Rose. Aboard a school bus converted into an art and recording studio on wheels, we are driving 30,000 miles across North, Central, and South America. The goal of the project is twofold: to create art and music inspired by the Americas, and to volunteer our time to provide free arts programming in underserved communities.
About the Workshops
We are partnering with schools, non-profits, local arts councils, and community centers to provide two free workshops in communities that are currently experiencing a lack of arts education programs. Our volunteering workshops are free to participants and there is no fee to the hosting partner.
ART WORKSHOP WITH JOSÉ
- 2.5-7 hours in length
- Max 15 participants per group
- Ages 7-18, groups can be mixed in age
In this workshop, students will explore painting, collagework, or drawing. José will introduce students to the concepts of composition and working with color, lines, and shapes to express ideas or emotions. If the partner host has access to camera gear for each student, José can provide a workshop focused on photography as well.
MUSIC WORKSHOP WITH CORA
- 2.5-7 hours in length
- Max 15 participants per group
- Groups of ages 4-7, 8-12, 13-18
In this workshop, students will explore music through songwriting and recording. As a group, the students will compose a chord progression, melody, and/or verse of lyrics. They will then record their work together and receive the mp3. Students do not need to have any formal music training. Cora can work with hosts to change age group configurations if necessary.
What we ask of our hosting partners
- Please provide a space for the workshops, including tables and chairs
- Please help us find a safe and secure place to park the bus (35ft long) when we are in your community
About the Instructors
José Luis Vílchez is a Nicaraguan-American fine art painter and photographer. He is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and he has traveled to over 70 countries with his camera in tow. He co-founded the Lido Art Center in Guangzhou, China where he taught photography and tutored students as they built portfolios to apply to the world’s top art schools. His work has been shown in galleries in the United States, China, India, Nicaragua, and Romania.
Cora Rose is a singer-songwriter and record producer from the USA.
Her work has been used in film, theater, and and television, including NBC’s Parks and Recreation and the award-winning documentary, Taming Wild. In 2014, she developed a songwriting and recording workshop program, which she took to public K-12 schools throughout the United States. She is also a certified TEFL instructor with experience teaching in China.
If you are interested in a workshop or mural, please contact us at [email protected]