Programs
Innovative and Empowering Programs for Teens
AIR integrates visual, performing, and literary arts with group mentoring by professional artists, cultural field trips, and community service.
Our Program Areas
ArtVentures: Ages 11-13
ArtVentures is a chance for middle schoolers to get creative, try new types of art, and connect with a supportive, judgment-free community. Offered after school and during school vacations, this program is all about exploration, expression, and fun!
AIR Artists: Ages 14-18
AIR Artists is a creative community where high schoolers can express themselves through visual, performing, and literary arts. Offered after school and during school vacations in February, April, and summer, this program provides a supportive space to explore, create, and connect.
Program Details
Thanks to generous community support, AIR offers all its programs free of charge—including supplies, transportation, and technology assistance. Sessions are held at local arts venues, cultural spaces, and businesses, helping teens build deeper connections within their community.
- Led by professional teaching artists
- Hands-on activities advance teens’ artistic skills
- Focus on community-building, group mentoring, and collaboration
- Cultural field trips and community service enhance community connections
- Culminate in showcases of teens’ original art
Program Objectives
Encouraging teens to discover, create, grow, and thrive
- Learn about the arts and cultural expression
- Increase literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Create strong relationships and conflict resolution skills
- Develop strategies to reflect and set life goals
- Identify local art resources and be inspire by local artists
- Build strong protective factors to prevent risky behaviors
- Volunteer and demonstrate the potential of youth
Open and Accepting
AIR programs center teen girls and gender-expansive youth and welcomes youth ages 11-18 who feel like AIR is the right community for them.
Statement of Inclusion
AIR creates a safe and inclusive community that values differences in ability, culture, ethnicity, gender expression, personal experience, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
Download our brochure to learn more about our commitment to inclusivity and community.
Get Our Brochure
“You can’t use up creativity.
The more you use, the more you have.”
– Maya Angelou, Poet
FAQ’s
Q: What is Arts in Reach?
A: Arts In Reach (AIR) empowers teen girls and gender-expansive youth through the arts and mentorship. With year-round programs, AIR nurtures creativity, confidence, compassion, and communication in a supportive community.
Q: Who is AIR for?
A: AIR programs center teenage girls, trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive youth, and welcomes teens ages 11-18 who feel like AIR is the right community for them.
Q: What is the age of AIR participants?
A: Arts In Reach offers programs for teens and young adults ages 11–18, with workshops and experiences designed for different age groups.
Q: What types of programming does Arts In Reach offer?
A: We offer year-round opportunities in visual, performing, and literary arts, giving teens a chance to explore their creativity and discover their unique talents. Programs run after school and during school vacations. To join, fill out a registration form and check out our calendar on our homepage—or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on upcoming programs and workshops!
Q: How do I sign up for one of the AIR programs?
A: To join any of our programs or workshops, register online, download and mail a registration form, or ask your school counselor for a copy. A parent or guardian must sign the form, which only needs to be completed once per year unless your information changes. After registering and hearing from an AIR staff member, check our homepage calendar or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on upcoming programs and how to sign up!
Q: What is the cost to participate?
A: Because of generous community-wide support, AIR is free of charge and provides transportation assistance to families in the Greater Seacoast area for whom transportation is a barrier.
Q: How do I arrange transportation to the programs?
A: If transportation is a barrier, we can often arrange a ride—always at no cost. For more details, call 603-433-4278 or email info@artsinreach.org.
Q: How long has Arts in Reach been around?
A: AIR was founded in 1997 by University of New Hampshire art history graduates Kristin Forselius and Amanda Tappan as a summer day camp that focused on visual arts, performing and literary arts, and art history.