La Casita’s Spring 2022 Youth Programs have restarted. Programs will focus on visual and performance arts, bilingual literacy, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Programs will also utilize creative expression and mindfulness as a way to work through issues of mental and emotional distress, wellness and self-care among other areas of our children’s daily lives that were adversely impacted during the Covid-related lockdowns and extended periods of isolation in 2020.
Writing & Storytelling
Mondays – 4:00-5:00
Ages 8+
Writing & Storytelling is a weekly artmaking program led by Liamna Pestana-Roche. In this program participants will develop writing skills and explore the storytelling process. Participants will work individually and in a group to develop an original bilingual publication.
Liamna Pestana-Roche is a student at the Setnor School of Music and an acclaimed vocalist and instrumentalist. Liamna is a Spanish & Caribbean Music Historian whos current research investigates the reggaetón ban in Cuba. She is a lutenist and baroque guitar specialist who’s researches early Hispanic music.
Experimental Art & Me!
Mondays – 5:00-6:00
Ages 8+
A weekly program exploring art and getting to know the self, led by Creative Art Therapy student Jessica McGhee. In this program participants use various art making materials and techniques as a way of self exploration and to engage in the process of creative expression.
Jessica McGhee is a native of Los Angeles and received her BFA from Syracuse University. Jessica is a current Creative Arts Therapy, M.S. candidate in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University. Jessica will be leading the weekly “Experimental Art & Me!” workshop at LA Casita on Monday evenings. In the workshop students will be able to explore creative expression and learn about the feelings which all humans experience as a natural part of life. Expect to get messy and have fun!
STEM
Thursdays – 4:30-5:30
All Ages
A weekly science-based program led by Jenifer Peña, and supported by members of the Society of Hispanic Professionals in Engineering (S.H.P.E.) at Syracuse University. Participants work on projects and experiments exploring science, technology, engineering and math.
Jenifer Peña is a native of Brooklyn, NY, and is currently receiving her Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering from Syracuse University. Jenifer will be leading the weekly STEM Workshops. The activities are created for students to have exposure to STEM. In addition, students will critically think and learn about failures and success STEM can lead to. Jenifer hopes to impact the students’ lives and see more minorities interested in STEM!
ARTE
Thursdays – 5:30-6:30
All Ages
ARTE is a weekly art making program led by local artist Abisay Puentes. Participants will learn technical art making skills including drawing, perspective, shading, and painting.
Abisay Puentes is a multimedia, visual artist and a composer, whose artistic expression flows from visual to aural in a diverse aesthetic performance. For Puentes, artistic expression is not bound by the traditional categorical divisions that separate painting from music. As Puentes challenges the traditional sepeartion of aural and visual categories of art, in his complex, sight and sound merge into one perceptual experience.
Dual-Language Reading Circles
Fridays – 4:00-5:00
All Ages
Reading Circles is a weekly reading and art making program led by Ivette Cruz. Participants will engage in bilingual reading and creative projects based on those weekly readings. This programs allows participants to gain confidence with reading in both English and Spanish.
Ivette Cruz Barso is a native of Havana, Cuba. She received her Masters of Arts from Syracuse University. She is currently working as a Spanish teacher at Christian Brothers Academy. Ivette will be leading the Reading Circles program at La Casita on Friday afternoons.
Música
Fridays – 5:00-6:00
All Ages
Música is a weekly program facilitated by Liamna Pestana-Roche where participants work one-on-one and in a group to explore and develop their musical abilities. No previous experience of instrument required.
Liamna Pestana-Roche is a student at the Setnor School of Music and an acclaimed vocalist and instrumentalist. Liamna is a Spanish & Caribbean Music Historian whos current research investigates the reggaetón ban in Cuba. She is a lutenist and baroque guitar specialist who’s researches early Hispanic music.
ECHOES of the Culture
Saturdays – 1:00-2:30
Ages 12+
ECHOES of the Culture is a weekly program led by actor, musician and Masters in Social Work Candidate Zach Pearson. Participants use acting, voice and body movements as a form of self-expression, reflection, healing and wellness.
Zach Pearson is an actor, musician, and teaching artist from New York City. Zach graduated from Syracuse University with a BFS in Acting in 2019. He has taught acting and improvisation workshops with Syracuse Stage, Building Company Theatre, and Irondale Ensemble in Brooklyn, NY. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Syracuse University. He finds joy in exploring and researching the ways in which social work and the arts intersect. Zach works full time at the Rescue Mission as a street outreach case manager engaging with people experiencing street homelessness.
For more information, please email La Casita: lacasita@syr.edu