Click herefor the 2008 Summer Arts Apprenticeship Application.

Oasis For Girls Arts and Arts Education programming encourages and provides innovative opportunities for creative expression and self-esteem development. A diverse range of women artists conducts workshops with Oasis girls, sparking dialogue on identity, culture, community awareness and the urban environment. Students learn that art is a tool that teaches critical and creative thinking, new ways of looking at one's environment, and community involvement. Further, it gives them a structure and public platform for their insights, creativity and voices to be seen and heard.  The arts serve as a mechanism of learning throughout our programs. Oasis blends arts training and arts-based projects with leadership development, to build participants’ capacity to carry creativity and expression throughout all elements of their work.

Our Studio Oasis Arts Initiative supports the creative ideas of our girls through multimedia education and action. Workshops connect girls ages 11-24 with diverse contemporary guest artists and arts organizations. Studio Oasis occurs during Spring Break.

The Oasis Arts Apprenticeship is offered yearly during the summer to up to 20 girls ages 14-20 who work with professional artists to create community arts projects. Participants receive $400 stipends during the 8-10 week apprenticeships. Projects culminate in community exhibitions, performances, and events. Through this public acknowledgement, the girls are honored for their accomplishments and the meaning of their work is displayed to inform and influence the lives of those around them.

The 2007 Summer Arts Apprenticeship program brought together 15-20 diverse young women for eight weeks to receive hands-on introductory training in a range of visual art forms such as stenciling, painting, graffiti and mural making alongside interactive workshops exploring identity, sexism, culture and media representation of women of color. Throughout the summer, participants gain exposure to the work and profession of community artist, Ana Fernandez. The apprenticeship culminated in the creation of individual final projects that examine “sacred” elements of their own cultures and lives. These original works were debuted at an opening art reception at the Bayanihan Community Center for friends and family and featured in a month-long exhibition planned by participants and Oasis staff. Artists received a $300 for their full participation, completion and success.

In 2006 Summer Arts Apprenticeships thirteen girls participated in "The Seed Project.” The project was a collaboration with Jo Kreiter and Flyaway Productions. Girls examined the strength of the female body, guided by company members and informed by Flyaway's creative process and researched on genetically modified foods. Girls learned Flyaway's performance repertory, created their own dances, and performed. Students also designed and carried out an advocacy project informed by the Organic Consumers Association.