Partnership Announced Between The Y on Granby and ODU Art Department

Old Dominion and The Y on Granby are partnering on a community engagement project that will strengthen the lives of children and families through art instruction.

The Y on Granby opened in May with a dedicated space for arts and cultural development. The joint project will include two art classes taught by ODU art education students to elementary and middle school students at the YMCA branch, which is located at 2901 Granby St. Fall and spring semester classes are being held on Tuesday and Thursday for six weeks.

The sessions began Sept. 24 and run through Oct. 22. Children ages 6-9 attend class from 5:30-6:30 p.m., while those ages 10-12 meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The cost is $20 for members and $40 for prospective members.

ODU art education students compete to teach these classes and are supervised by their instructors as part of the university's ARTS 367, Cooperative Education course. Lessons will involve a range of activities, including: drawing, painting, mixed media, cartooning, mural painting, collage, printmaking, sculpture-paper maché or ceramics, and computer arts and animation.

"We are thrilled about this partnership and excited for the kids that will benefit from deeper engagement with the arts, under the supervision and guidance of passionate graduating seniors from ODU," said Anthony Walters, executive director at The Y on Granby.

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is a nonprofit, community-based health and human services organization that serves over 250,000 children and families each year. More than 28 percent of those families receive financial assistance through the Open Doors program, which is funded by the generosity of donors, to help them reach their full potential in spirit, mind and body. The Y's doors are open to people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and incomes.