As part of its B-Smart afterschool educational initiative, the Banana Factory has created a special glass blowing program for at-risk middle school students in the Bethlehem Area School District. B-Smart enriches students’ lives and enhances their educational experience by introducing them to 21st century arts such as video production, digital photography and graphic design, as well as traditional visual arts including paining, drawing and ceramics. Glassblowing offers a perfect blend of science and art while teaching patience, process and craft.

There are only a handful of institutions offering youth programming in glass art, and the Banana Factory’s staff has the experience and knowledge to make the program not only successful for students but also to serve as a national model for this type of programming as well.

Under the B-smart program, participants design and produce an original piece of glass art that they may take home. In addition, the Banana Factory plans to host an exhibition of glass art created by the youth. Resources permitting, the art center hopes to expand this unique educational initiative to other school districts in the future.

This program is made possible by the support of ArtsQuest members.
To learn more & become a member, click here.

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