Program areas at Hijos del Sol Arts Productions
Experimental Art Studio: At Hijos del Sol, Illustrators and Apprentices experience an experimental studio environment, which allows for critical thinking, creativity, language development, self-expression, and the evolution of personal skills-where students feel a sense of belonging and can truly engage. Within this designated experimental studio space, true exploration is welcomed, and the environment is filled with inventive, educational, and innovative experiences. Working in spaces that permit individuals to self-express without fear, such as that offered through Hijos del Sol, can kindle the creative mind, bringing forth the individual's true emotions, imagination, and enthusiasm. Studio space, professional art instruction, and all supplies for creating projects are provided at zero cost to children, youth, and young adult apprentices. All participants are actively engaged in the development of their own skills and participate in the yearly collective exhibits. 300 Unique Students/year
Student Art Exhibits: Hijos del Sol conducts three annual community celebrations with collective participation and exhibits that commemorate and keep alive the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples. We produce visual documentation of the creation process for exhibits, murals, and other activities. Projects are photographed during the creation progress and through to the finished product. Students document the meaning and interpretation of their vision of their art piece in short essay descriptions that are mounted next to their artworks on exhibit. Each of these actions allows their personal stories to be heard and promotes the ideas and voices of our participants. ~1,000 children/year
Hosting off-site mobile art studio: Hijos del Sol brings its studio space to schools, community events, and other nonprofits. We bring art experiences to the students who can't easily make it to our permanent studio. HdS serves ~ 1,000 children/year.
Community Produced Murals: Over 60 mural works with powerful, moving social imagery (reflective of the people of our community) adorning public buildings and structures around Monterey County and beyond- half of which were created and installed in partnership with children and youth.