OUR MISSION is to cultivate creativity,
facilitate collaborations, educate the creatives,
harmonize artistic tradition and creative technology in the
Greater Westmoreland Region
The ArtTEK story
River Art Works’ high school workshops:
ArtTEK for TEENS
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River Art Works is Hosting ArtTEK for TEENS workshop series which are after school and summer workshops.
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After two years of planning, we were very excited to begin the ArtTEK for TEENS project on March 20,2023. The material has been sourced from some obscure places around the globe. We wanted the most cutting edge creative technology available to date. This is not a workshop series that can be found elsewhere. But, after four workshops, our donated building was accidently destroyed in fire by another tenant. A n update on the workshop's status is at the end of this note.
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The ArtTEK for TEENS program is high school level, will impact revitalization of our youth population and attendees who complete at least one year of the program, will be prepared to enter the workforce or continue education with strong resumes.
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3D Print Workshops:
These workshops provide each attendee who completes the program with their own 3D printer, to keep. Attendees learn to build a 3D Printer from a kit. This helps participants to learn how each part works and the role in the printing process. Learning to use a 3D Print program called Fusion 360 and related CAD programs will be introduced. In this way the attendees are able to then choose what program they are most comfortable using to build 3D objects. An introduction to the plethora of filaments and their capacities will also be included.
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Workforce Development has named 3D print the fastest growing industry in Westmoreland County. The goal is to provide our graduates with skills necessary to be the leaders of this industry.
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Animatronics:
Think of the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, the mechanical villain's in Spiderman, even Chuckie Cheese has animatronics on stage. Think of animatronics as the most creative way the basics of mechanics can be taught.
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This series introduces animatronics creation using some basic mechanical skills, hand carving, and integration of 3D Print parts. The 3D printer has become a widely used tool in the industry.
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Drones, Videography, and Drone Art
These workshops will focus on learning fine motor skills necessary to operate drones, map out a plan for the storyline, how to use an editing program, and lighting skills. This may sound easy to the reader, but this is a strong program that takes the attendee to college level studies one step at a time.
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Hologram creation is slated to be the next workshop series ArtTEK for TEENS will tackle. Holograms are a passion for River Art Works' Founder, Jane Altman. She has watched the market and development of the process languish for decades. The last four years huge breakthroughs have been made. In fact, they are already being integrated into many industries: architecture, medicine, manufacturing, design, retail, marketing, and more. Material sourcing for this series will arrive from some of the world's most remote locations.
River Art Works continues to work toward the original goal. We have spent months sifting through all that can be salvaged, clean and storing. We have begun to replace lost items and are seeking space to hold workshops. This seamed as if it would be the easiest piece of the puzzle, but commercial space with enough land to fly drones is more difficult to locate than imagined. Workshops will be reinstated as soon as we are able. Finances are very tight now for this small upstart program. we would appreciate community support.
Also, please consider becoming a contributor toward the betterment of our region's youth future through ArtTEK for TEENS. That is how the program is affordable for all attendees. These workshops cost $70 per hour per student. Note the small price generous donors has made possible.
Sincerely,
Jane Altman
Jane Altman, Founder
River Art Works
ArtTEK for TEENS