Programs
We offer a variety of programs and engaging visual art experiences for all children in our region. As the only local nonprofit organization dedicated to creative art programs for young people, we fill a critical niche in our community’s educational and cultural landscape. The arts play a key role in the overall vitality of our community, especially in young people's lives.
Our innovative curriculum teaches about a diverse set of artists from throughout art history. We use a hands-on approach that encourages students to try out a variety of art materials and techniques, and we provide positive creative experiences that value each child’s unique self-expression through art. We believe the arts are essential for a child’s healthy development, critical thinking skills, and holistic educational experience.
Programs with schools
creativity curated school program
Picture Lab provides high-quality, consistent lesson delivery as well as tiered lessons by grade level, which includes grade-specific national standards. We believe that our mission can be achieved by a comprehensive, creative, curated portfolio of art lessons that both fit the needs of a school community and deepen artistic experiences and education for students.
Rural art initiative
In 2021, we launched the Rural Art Initiative in partnership with the Prescott School District to provide an innovative program of art classes, field trips, and a comprehensive artists-in-residence program that reflects this unique rural community.
Walla Walla Foundry tours
We are fortunate to have, right here in Walla Walla, one of the most well-respected contemporary art foundries in the world. Through a partnership with the Walla Walla Foundry, each year we bring hundreds of 5th graders in our valley to observe every step of their incredible fabrication process.
Art History Program
This Carnegie Picture Lab curriculum aims to create engaging art experiences for participating schools through an exploration of art history and hands-on art making. This is achieved through dynamic, purposeful lessons that have clear learning objectives paired with the opportunity for students to work with high quality art materials in a creative and meaningful way. The curriculum helps students understand how media, technique and process are used to create works of fine art. Athena Elementary School and Saint Basil Academy are participating with this program for the 2023-2024 school year.
Other Offerings
art makerspace
To create more art making opportunities outside the academic school day, Carnegie Picture Lab has transformed its building at 515 East Main Street into a creative Art Makerspace where young people from preschool through high school and their families will be able to spend time exploring, discovering, and expressing their creativity through visual art media. Please, contact Kristie Coleman at kristie@carnegiepicturelab.com for more information.
art chopped
Art Chopped is modeled on the Food Network show “Chopped” where participants from a family team area given a mystery basket of art supplies from which to create a work of art. Additional supplies from the art “pantry” are utilized, and families participate in two rounds: an “appetizer” round (15 minutes) and an “entree” round (30 minutes). In March of 2022, Art Chopped premiered in Walla Walla elementary schools where creativity, teamwork, and fun were the main ingredients. Art Chopped 2.0 took place in March-April of 2023. See the action here!