About Art Sprouts

At Art Sprouts, our mission of "Art Education. Outdoors." drives us to create dynamic, experiential programs that empower and inspire communities. We use art as a tool to foster creativity, self-expression, and cultural understanding, blending it with outdoor experiences to create transformative opportunities. Our initiatives provide children and adults with the chance to explore diverse art forms, connect with their heritage, and develop essential skills in natural, inspiring settings. Through workshops, community projects, and collaborative events, Art Sptouts ensures that art education is accessible, impactful, and deeply integrated with the great outdoors, building confidence, resilience, and a lifelong appreciation for creativity.  

At Art Sprouts, we acknowledge that some communities are historically underserved and underrepresented. We are committed to identifying and eliminating the barriers that prevent fair treatment, access, opportunities, and advancement. We create strategies that make art and outdoor education accessible to communities where these programs would not happen otherwise.

Outdoor School is an immersive outdoor education experience for Oregon’s 5th and 6th graders in the world’s greatest classroom. In Oregon’s natural landscape, students learn about themselves, their peers, the environment, and natural resources, leaving with skills to prepare them for their future. Art Sprouts' Outdoor School program offers a creative and adventurous way to engage 5th and 6th graders in learning and exploring the great outdoors while fostering creativity, self-expression, and personal growth.

Outdoor School Mission

Together we guide and support equitable, culturally responsive, and interdisciplinary outdoor school programs for Oregon's youth.

Outdoor School Vision

Outdoor School will create equitable and positive outcomes for every Oregonian through empowering learning experiences.

Outdoor School Values

Equity, diversity, and inclusion. Relationships, Innovation, Integrity, and Quality. These core values are central to how we perform our work.

Outdoor School is made possible due to the Outdoor School for All law and Ballot Measure 99. All public schools, private schools, charter schools, and education service districts (ESDs) may apply to receive state grant funds for up to five nights and six days of a qualified Outdoor School program. Learn more through Oregon State University Extension Services Outdoor School: https://outdoorschool.oregonstate.edu/.

The effects of trauma caused by various events such as war, natural disasters, or life-threatening experiences can be long-lasting. New approaches to recovery have shown significant and sustained benefits. One approach is the use of art therapy. Here at Art Sprouts, we are committed to bringing greater awareness to healing through fostering creativity, self-expression, and personal growth. 

Case Study: Camp "Nepal"

Camp "Nepal" stands as a beacon of hope and resilience in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Initiated in the winter of 2012 and revisited in the fall of 2015, this project was born to aid in the healing and development of children deeply affected by the Nepalese Civil War and the devastating 2015 earthquake.

The project's core objective was to create safe, nurturing environments where children from diverse and often challenging backgrounds could engage in creative exploration and skill development. This was achieved through forging strategic partnerships with local orphanages in the Kathmandu Valley and the Kevin Rohan Memorial Eco Foundation, an organization committed to sustainable development and community well-being.

Camp "Nepal" was more than just a temporary relief effort; it was a sustainable program designed to offer children ongoing support and development opportunities. The camp welcomed young participants from the immediate community, the neighboring Leprosy colony, and nearby villages, embracing children from various socio-economic and health backgrounds.

The impact of Camp "Nepal" has been far-reaching, extending beyond the immediate beneficiaries to influence the wider community. The project has been a testament to the power of creative healing and the importance of providing supportive spaces for children in crisis. Through its sustained efforts, Camp "Nepal" continues to contribute significantly to the recovery and development of young lives in the region, fostering a future where every child can thrive despite their circumstances.

Educational programs in impoverished communities typically adopt traditional education models emphasizing math, science, and language. These programs allocate few resources to topics such as arts—topics perceived as having little tangible relevance. Children in such environments face a much different future than their counterparts in wealthier areas. 

Case Study: Camp "Zambia"

In February 2015, reflecting a commitment to inclusive and transformative education, Art Sprouts. partnered with the African Education Program (AEP), an NGO dedicated to youth education and leadership. The primary goal was to enhance the educational offerings at the Amos Youth Centre by integrating a robust arts program into the Centre’s after-school activities. This initiative, dubbed Camp "Zambia," was not just another educational program; it was a beacon of hope and growth for many of the students in the community, including those from remote villages and HIV-positive children.

Art Sprouts played a crucial role by facilitating comprehensive teacher training for AEP staff and volunteers. This training was tailored to ensure educators were skilled in arts education and sensitive and adaptable to their student's diverse needs and backgrounds. The impact of Camp "Zambia" was profound. It provided a unique platform where children, irrespective of their socioeconomic status, health conditions, or cultural backgrounds, could engage in artistic and creative processes. This engagement was more than just an educational experience; it was a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment for these young minds.

The success of Camp "Zambia" is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in addressing educational inequalities and fostering inclusive growth. Through this initiative, Art Sprouts and the AEP demonstrated that when children are given opportunities to express themselves creatively, they can overcome barriers and realize their full potential, shaping a more equitable and understanding future for all.