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A rtHouse is proud it has delivered a total 208 cost-free, multi-disciplined arts programs to 3,594 youths aged seven to 12 years over the past seven years. It has implemented programs in 30 accessible locations across Oakville and Burlington, and more recently, Milton. "It's been a remarkable ride," said ArtHouse Founder and Executive Director Don Pangman, who began looking at the importance of arts in the lives of all people in 2008 when the idea for free music programs for kids took root. Trigger point for creation The realization that cost was prohibitive for some families became the trigger point for the creation of ArtHouse in 2009. Today, the organization is an employer with access to more than 30 professional instructors leading a range of programs, from arts therapy, fashion design and music, to theatre performance, cooking and gardening. "Each of our program leaders brings their innate and carefully-trained arts skill, as well as their ability to bring out the best in each child," says ArtHouse Program Director Gemma Hagerman. "It is beautiful to watch the interaction between our young people and their instructor, and there's no question both the participants and our leaders are taking away a pretty special experience from our programs." ArtHouse celebrates as it begins its eighth year 7 | Friday, August 5, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Children from Camp ArtHouse perform Disney's Jungle Book for Kids for close to 150 family members at Sheridan Theatre's main stage last summer. | photo courtesy ArtHouse Just a slim margin of ArtHouse `graduates' will seek a career in the arts, but what Pangman believes is each student that has been touched by ArtHouse will take a "tool" of learning away that will be vitally important for the exciting 21st century of creativity. Research validates importance of arts "Research will tell you participation in the arts contributes to skills that include: creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, self-expression and confidence," said Pangman. "To deny our children these tools could well reduce their probability of success in their years ahead." With many schools lacking resources to support arts programs, and an ArtHouse focus on those who cannot afford any participation in the arts, the ArtHouse front-of-the-line priority policy ensures the most vulnerable community members have first access to the organization's programs. "We must create a level playing field," said Pangman. "Statistically, students with high involve- ment in the arts, including minority and lowincome students, perform better in school and stay in school longer than students with low involvement." Program for teens In 2015, ArtHouse launched Take Five, a leadership development program for teens aged 13-17 years that uses the arts as a learning mechanism. The initiative's success has many touch points, said Hagerman. see Learning on p.19 New Patients Are ALWAYS Welcome · Evening & Weekend Appointments Available · Female Dentist Available · Same Day Appointments · Same Day Emergency · Walk-in Service · Family & Cosmetic Dentistry · Insurance Billed Directly · Digital X-Rays · Sedation for Children & Adults Dr. Manchanda Let us get you to & from Downtown Oakville's Jazz Festival Eliminate parking hassles and road closures · Medical & Dental Appointments · Errands, Social Visits, Meetings Call today to book your appointment We can take you back & from: · Alzheimer's Transportation · Lowest Airport Rates 627 Lyons Lane, Suite 100 www.doctor4teeth.com www Oakville, ON 905-339-1666 Our drivers are all First Aid CPR Trained 905.338.0044 · www.oakvilleunitedtaxi.com