Groundwork Arts' ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM
15 Unique Artists taught elementary students for
Morong Unified School District’s ELOP After School Program
Video Editing by Jorge Davies, Graphics by Melissa Sabol
October 9, 2024 - May 28, 2025 | 4 Seven-Week Rotations | 319 Class Days
250+ Students | 11 Elementary Schools
OVERVIEW
Each Wednesday, 15 talented local artists, musicians, and performers guided students through a hands-on exploration of various creative art forms, including sculpture, ceramics, painting, drawing, textiles, jewelry, gameboard design, music, and performance. Students worked closely with these artists, learning new tools, techniques, and skills while sparking their creativity and gaining a deeper appreciation for the arts. It was an inspiring, immersive experience, and we hope you enjoy seeing young students’ imaginations come to life!
TEACHING ARTISTS
Michael Balderas
Mary Evans
Jen Shakti
Loisa Bartlett
Marisol 'Sparks'
Gomez
Tayler Straziuso
Kait Bretz
Alia Rafiq
Devino Tricoche
Heather Drake
Nigel Roman
Marcia Winn
Ivah Drake
Tyler Saraca
Wulfpak
PROJECTS
SAME OLD SONG AND DANCE
MUSIC
Students learned basic music theory concepts using interactive group activities, focusing on song and dance. The lessons progressively built skills in rhythm, pitch, melody, harmony, and musical expression.
MICHAEL BALDERAS
A local musician and experienced guitar teacher with over 20 years of experience playing in bands across various genres, from 50s classics to today’s hits. For the past 16 years, Mike has been dedicated to teaching guitar and tutoring music. He aims to provide kids at GroundworkAtrs with a solid foundation in music theory, sparking their interest in engaging with music—whether through singing, rhythm, or picking up an instrument.
GET TO KNOW INDIGO!
FIBER ARTS PROJECT
Students will explore the process of Indigo Vat Dyeing using simple Japanese Shibori folding techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs on fabric. Students will learn about the rich history of one of the world’s oldest natural dyes, the ancient Japanese art of Shibori and the science behind the seemingly magical qualities of indigo vat dyeing.
HEATHER DRAKE
A local multimedia Teaching Artist. She holds a BA in Art Education from Cal State San Bernardino and is a certified California Naturalist. She has worked as an Art & Naturalist Educator, field trip coordinator, and Camp Director with public charter schools throughout Southern California. Heather’s work is inspired by her love of nature and cultural anthropology. Humor and irony are often at the heart of her work which incorporates ideas sparked by upcycled materials and nostalgic pop culture references from her 1980s childhood. Heather is a member of Sun Spot, a Morongo Basin Artists Co-op.
EXHIBITIONS
TWO STUDENT EXHIBITIONS - EAST & WEST
Showing April - June 2025
Students also had the opportunity to share their artwork in two public exhibitions with community partners, the 29 Palms Visitor Center through the Public Arts Advisory Committee (PAAC) and the Joshua Tree National Park Black Rock Art Gallery (BRAG).
29 PALMS VISITOR CENTER | PAAC
EAST Opening April 10, 2025
Students selected from Condor, Oasis, Palm Vista, and Twentynine Palms Elementary will be exhibiting their artwork. The show will consist of ceramics, abstract paintings, and indigo dyeing. Both exhibitions will feature a short video of the music and performance classes.
BLACK ROCK ART GALLERY | JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
WEST Opening April 17, 2025
Students selected from Friendly Hills, Joshua Tree, Landers, Mornong Valley, Onaga, Yucca Mesa, and Yucca Valley Elementary will be exhibiting their artwork. The show will consist of expressive painting, board game creation, art quilts, bead making, mixed media cyanotype collage, and paper clay sculpture. Both exhibitions will feature a short video of the music and performance classes.