ICAA established Professional Art School in January 2003. The aim of the Art School is to facilitate art education and skills development of the children and youth of immigrant and low-income families. ICAA offers professional art instructions in the following artistic disciplines:
Over three hundred students were graduated during the three years of the program. The majority of children are from immigrant and economically disadvantaged families. A group of students with advanced skills and potential has been selected by ICAA art teachers as a Youth Design Group to develop projects, concepts and leadership skills . The number of students was not only increased to double in the 2004 in number but the quality of work is constantly improving. ICAA has been providing art classes at the following five locations in Hamilton and Stony Creek Area:
ICAA Art School is aimed not only to teach art skills, but also to illustrate the broad range of professional activities in which art education can be utilized and to use the artistic skills of youth to become a skilled worker and a professional artist. These lessons help low-income youth to develop a new dream about future prosperity and goal-oriented education.
With the establishment of the ICAA Art School , immigrants and low-income youths are getting cultural, social and economic empowerment. They will have a chance to determine their future endeavors. ICAA Art School education program is concentrated not only to show students and participants how to draw but it is also focused on artwork, ideas, expressions, experiences, careers and development of children, youth and community at large.
ICAA is planning to introduce sculpture, pottery for adults, fabric painting, and stained glass art in the spring 2005 semester. ICAA has already purchased more art tools, e.g., wheels, kilns, and stained glass supplies.
ICAA also established partnerships with the Living Rock Ministries in the area of art education for youth. ICAA students have participated in the juried exhibition of art of August. In 2006 thirteen ICAA students won medals and certificates for their technical achievements.
An article From the Canadian Newcomer MagazinePaint it Bright: Hamilton Artists’ Group Adds New Colours to the Canadian Palette. Read the article here.