Multi-award-winning, bestselling author Paul Volponi (38 years of classroom experience) teaching 4 to 5 workshops per day, combing how literature is a daily part of our lives and creative writing. Not a lecture, but a group dynamic where everyone speaks and writes -- powerpoint presentation in the background.

Programs present the fascinating story of the Shakers, beginning with their arrival to our site in Albany in 1776, under the leadership of a woman named Mother Ann Lee. We follow their impact on local and national history and material culture. Daily life in this community was deeply impacted by the introduction of the nearby Erie Canal which fueled its transformation from an agricultural community to a community that was both agricultural and industrial. The Shakers lived as hard working and mindful innovators. They were strict pacifists who sought religious freedom and relinquished private property within their communities, and embraced human equality regardless of gender or race. Today, the Shakers are probably best known for their human-centered architecture and furniture design. It’s simple, functional, and beautiful. It's easy to get lost in the aesthetic qualities of Shaker objects, so a big part of what we do is bring attention to the human side of these objects, and how they are reflective of Shaker values. Students can learn to weave on a loom, and other hands-on activities are possible.

Gizmo D Robot is the host of three amazing, memorable and impactful elementary presentations around the topics of anti-bullying, growth mindset and health awareness. In addition, he is co-host - along with talented musician Dave Lambert - of a music education presentation for grades K-2. Students enjoy Gizmo and his unexpectedly high interactive capabilities as well as his delightful sense of humor. Educators love Gizmo because he delivers vital messages in a way students can quickly grasp. “…the best assembly we have ever had!” was the response from Lebanon Borough School in New Jersey.

Marica Monori and Patrick Durkin (owners of Capital Ceramic Supply) offer a deep dive workshop into ceramics, firings, with an emphasis on wood-firings. The workshop consists of lecture time (a slideshow about the different types of clay and firings/kilns, all things wood-firing related), a question and answer section, and a 30 minute of hands-on work for students with wood-fire clay that we provide. Later on their creations will be fired in our wood kiln then returned to them as a unique piece of art and memory.

Hanford Mills Museum offers on-site field trips and in-class outreach programs to schools in several regions. Our water-powered saw mill and grist mill provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about the history of science and technology dating back to the mid-1800s. Every field trip includes a tour of the 1840s mill, featuring demonstrations of our working waterwheel and saw mill. All programs align with NYS learning standards and focus on a range of topics from simple machines to watershed health. Our educators are our mill workers, and use that knowledge to introduce students to one of a kind artifacts letting them feel, smell, and use our range of historic tools and technology that are outside the realm of traditional classroom environments. On-site picnic space is available in our covered pavilion. Program information, including costs and times, are available on our website. If you have any questions, or would like to book a field trip or an outreach program, contact our Education Coordinator today!

I offer large group author assemblies for 3-8th grade, live scavenger hunts, and small group writing workshops!

Our mission at BIG INK is to encourage appreciation for woodblock printmaking: one impression at a time. In 2012, Lyell Catongguay founded BIG INK to provide woodblock printmaking workshop opportunities for people of all skill levels. As a result, thousands of individuals have learned how to carve wood by following Castonguay’s online master class, and numerous community members have attended BIG INK’s workshops to witness the spectacle of large-scale woodblock printing. With its community-driven and public art education model, BIG INK is committed to ensuring a promising future for printmaking. Hire BIG INK for a workshop at your school. We’ll travel to your location and set up The Big Tuna, our custom-designed giant mobile printing press. Does your group have limited woodblock carving experience? That is okay. We’ll be your guide!

Local students are exposed to the presence and importance of local at-risk species and habitats and ways they can make a positive difference. Teachers can choose from a full menu of in-classroom and field trips that cover topics including adaptations, life cycles, habitats, photosynthesis, water quality, and more. Our favored field trip, “Habitats of the Saratoga Sand Plains,” highlights the Karner blue butterfly’s life cycle; its host plant, the wild blue lupine; the food chains and webs of the Saratoga Sand Plains Ecosystem; animal adaptations, freshwater life, pollution and habitat loss, and much more. These engaging programs meet criteria set forth in the state’s core curriculum for math and science. We now offer high school programming! Can’t find a program to fit to your needs? Contact us to schedule a unique program, tailored for you

I teach Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. Students learn the basics of Photoshop using layers and layer masks and the new Generative toolbar. They will also learn how to composite two or more images into one and how to enhance photographs. I am a professional wedding and portrait photographer with 30 years of experience in photography and over 25 years in Adobe software. My three day photography program is geared towards high-school students and will focus on photo-based image making for story telling, communication, creative expression, personal exploration and digital output. The three-day Adobe Photoshop program teaches how to use Photoshop to enhance images, composite images using layer masks and much more. Students will learn the Photoshop interface which includes: Document window, Menu bar, basic tool bar, the new Generative AI toolbar, Options bar and Panels. In this program, I walk students through building a composite image using different images and text. Then they will learn how they can enhance their own images using adjustment layers and other techniques.

Live Interactive Virtual Rhythm Clinics Grades: K–12 Length of Program: 30 minutes – 1 hour Virtual Clinics with Ed Roscetti Increase Your Rhythmic Vocabulary. Expand Creativity. Join renowned drummer, composer, author and educator Ed Roscetti for an engaging and interactive Live Streamed Virtual Clinic designed to inspire students and musicians of all levels. With decades of experience performing, composing, recording in L.A. Studios and teaching, Ed brings his signature style of grooves, rhythmic concepts and creative development directly to you—wherever you are. The use of different instrument stations in his studio keeps things dynamic and provides varied opportunities to interact with students and teachers during the event. The use and propriety of AI in the music making process is explored. See his signature programs (listed below) to choose from. Or request a customized clinic and length that best fits into your teaching curriculum and schedule. Signature Programs: • World Music Interactive Drum Clinic • Groovin’ in Odd Times • Drums & Percussion in TV and Film (Composition) • The Drum & Bass Connection • Drums ‘n’ Jazz • How to Protect Your Ears If you have any questions about Ed's clinic programs please contact him at roscettimusic@mac.com where you can also request a detailed Clinic Description for each signature program. This performance supports the following NYS Learning Standards: Music: • Standard 1 (Creating, performing, and participating in the arts), • Standard 4 (Understanding the cultural dimensions and contribution of the arts) Categories: Music — Instrumental Format & Logistics • Conducted live via Zoom (or preferred school-approved platform) • Ideal group sizes: 10 –100 students • Includes downloadable materials: Charts, backing tracks, exercises • Optional sessions: Teacher workshop, follow-up coaching, ensemble masterclass Cost: • $500 — One Virtual Clinic • $900 — Two Virtual Clinics (same day) • Sponsors (DW, PDP & LP) will cover the remainder of his artist fee. Elevate your program’s rhythmic proficiency and creative expression—contact us to schedule a virtual clinic with Ed Roscetti today!

In "The Art of SPLIT-SECOND SUCCESS: How to ACT FAST and Create Positive Results NOW!", Robert Channing presents an amazing performance that combines his renowned mentalism abilities, “E.S.P. Magic of the Mind,” with “Imagination Into Art” speed painting. With over 30 years and thousands of shows for students of all ages, this unique program masterfully blends art, education, mentalism, innovation, and imagination, delivering an unforgettable experience that your students will cherish. With national recognition from shows like America’s Got Talent, The Today Show, and The Steve Harvey Show, Robert's performance is a must-see live experience. Students will leave motivated to ACHIEVE MORE, holding onto the memories of his performance for years to come. Robert's uplifting presentation inspires students to DREAM BIG and harness their intuitive powers. As a supernatural entertainer and speed painter, he transforms the atmosphere with a dynamic program filled with laughter, participation, and inspiration through mental magic, rapid artistic creations, and speed painting of iconic figures. His mind-reading skills reveal thoughts known only to the individuals he reads, along with fun and entertaining predictions, as well as demonstrations of extrasensory perception and telepathy, with total audience participation. His speed painting skills allow him to create stunning portraits and masterpieces of iconic figures on a 4-foot by 5-foot canvas, all set to heart-pounding music. He crafts these portraits in minutes, often revealing them using clear glue and glitter to create a magical effect. He also paints upside down for an added twist of excitement. His extensive repertoire of over 100 icons includes famous figures like Albert Einstein, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Taylor Swift, along with custom portraits of your choosing, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as each identity is revealed. Once a portrait is completed, Robert shares amazing and inspirational stories about the individuals he painted, highlighting their journeys through adversity. He tailors the show to different age groups, ensuring that younger students enjoy relatable characters and themes. Relevant topics such as Dreaming Big, Diversity, Inclusion, and Overcoming Bullying are also addressed. In addition to performances for students, Robert offers appreciation programs for staff, encouraging educators to stay motivated and overcome challenges in their field. "The Art of SPLIT-SECOND SUCCESS" is more than just a performance; it’s an inspiring, mind-blowing experience that motivates both students and staff to live passionately and reach new levels of success. Robert promises three surprises: something you've never seen, something you'll never see again, and something you must see to believe. Are you ready to elevate your next NYS Arts-in-Education program at your school with this extraordinary mentalist and speed painter?

John Petrelli is a motivational speaker, coach, and the author of Confessions of a Hollywood Trainer, an Amazon #1 new release. With over 30 years of experience, John has transformed the lives of Grammy Award- winning artists, Hollywood celebrities, and individuals from all walks of life. But John’s path to success was far from easy. In high school, John was cut from every sports team and barely graduated. Struggling with identity, self-worth, and unresolved anger, he lacked the communication skills and support system needed to thrive. A life-changing arrest just before college marked a personal low point—one that ultimately sparked his transformation. Rather than give in, John chose to rise. For the first time, he began to embrace his failures and coined his personal philosophy: “Perfecting the Art of Failure.” In 2021, John faced another defining moment: a sudden diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)—a rare autoimmune disease that left him temporarily paralyzed and in the ICU. As someone whose career was rooted in physical strength, John leaned entirely on mental resilience to fight his way back. Today, John is one of the most in-demand fitness professionals and motivational speakers, known for his raw authenticity and life-tested message: Failure isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of transformation. Perfecting the Art of Failure Hi, I’m John Petrelli and I teach people how to do the “Perfect the Art of Failure” in their lives and careers. I teach and inspire audiences to understand that failure isn’t an identity but merely the stepping stones to future success, because I believe when we reframe the way we approach life’s challenges we unlock our fullest potential. John shares how altering your approach to challenges can open doors to new possibilities and propel you towards success. Discover the three core principles – Changing our Perception, Structured dissection, and Unwavering drive – that help elite performers leverage the true abilities to achieve greater success in all areas of life. In this program, you’ll learn… 1. To Understand the Power of Perception: Explore how our perceptions shape your actions and ultimately determine your outcomes. 2. To Master the Art of Dissection: Learn how effectively dissecting your progress is crucial for identifying stepping stones towards success. 3. To Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone: Discover the “Perfecting the Art of Failure” framework – three simple steps for turning challenges into valuable learning experiences. 4. To Unlock Your Full Potential with Drive: Learn strategies to overcome limitations and unleash your full potential for personal and professional growth. Program 2:Unlocking your personal Wellness Code As a professional fitness coach, working with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry— unlocking your personal wellness code is a crucial key to success. By applying his own Personal Wellness Code, John defied the odds and rebuilt his health from being paralyzed, proving that true wellness goes beyond just the body—it starts with the mind. John reveals how Understanding in detail what your personal Wellness needs are can unlock new opportunities, a new level of energy and confidence. Learn the three core Wellness Code Principles— Awareness, Identify, and Implementation — used by thousands of John’s clients to help maximize their health, wellness and potential. In this program, you’ll learn… 1. Empowerment & Personalization Encourages individuals to take ownership of their health rather than following a one size fits all approach. Encourages experimentation and awareness by teaching them a DATA DRIVEN approach to their health rather than blindly following trends or generalized health advice. Empowers you to discover what truly works for their body in terms of energy, sleep, exercise, and overall health. 2. Preventing Missed Potential Learn how to recognize your body’s signals before they turn into burnout or health issues. Uncover the daily habits that quietly drain your energy and how to replace them with supportive habits. Understand how stress impacts your performance and what you can do to shift that. 3. Emotional & Motivational The audience leaves understanding that they likely have untapped potential and gives them the motivational keys to Unlock their OWN “Wellness Code.”