Learning Lab Catalog
O ering programs in Music, Theatre, Art, and More!
Arts Partners believes creative minds build stronger communities. Since 1998, Arts Partners has transformed young lives and learning environments through arts integration in collaboration with visual and performing artists, cultural organizations, and schools.
Arts Partners, now located in The Learning Lab above Union Station in Wichita, KS, is a dynamic PreK–12 arts-in-education organization.
We connect students with local artists and cultural resources to provide hands-on workshops, performances, and field trips that integrate the arts into core subjects—igniting creativity, curiosity, and deeper learning for students across the region.
All About Art Club
Program Schedule: Sept. 2-Dec. 19
This club experience will meet from 3-5 p.m. weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Elementary (K–5)
Middle School (6–8)
High School (9–12)
Arts Partners Wichita makes after-school time fun and meaningful by connecting K-12th grade students with local artists for creative, hands-on experiences. Kids will explore new ideas through activities that blend the arts and music with learning, building critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. It’s the perfect way to spark imagination, boost confidence and keep young minds growing even after the school day ends.
Pick one day a week or explore them all – the All About Art Club has options for everyone.
Tuesday- Painting
Wednesday- Visual Arts
Thursday- Music Exploration
Saturday Art Club
Program Schedule: Sept. 6 – Dec. 13
Elementary (K–5)
This weekend club will meet from 10 a.m. - noon weekly on Saturdays Click here to sign up!
Saturday Art Club gives students a fun, hands-on way to explore the arts while building critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Led by local artists, each session blends creativity with learning to keep kids engaged, curious, and inspired. It’s the perfect weekend adventure, where imagination thrives and young minds grow one masterpiece at a time.
Art with Impact:
Apprenticing in Public Art & Community Design
Middle School (6–8)
High School (9–12)
Program Schedule: Sept. 2-Dec. 19
This club experience will meet from 3-5 p.m. weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
This apprenticeship program o ers middle and high school students the opportunity to work alongside professional artists to design and create public art projects that make lasting impact.
Through hands-on experience, students will explore mural-making, sculpture, installation art and other large-scale mediums, learning not only technical skills but also how art can tell stories, build identity and transform shared spaces. Apprentices will participate in every stage of the creative process, from concept development and community engagement to final installation.
This is a chance to collaborate, lead and leave a creative mark on the community through the power of public art.
High School (9–12)
Beyond the Canvas: Exploring the Power of Visual Arts
Program Schedule: Sept. 5-Dec. 19
This class will meet from 1-2 p.m. weekly on Fridays
This hands-on workshop series invites high school students to dive into the creative possibilities of visual art through a range of dynamic mediums.
Each week, students will experiment with a di erent technique –– such as printmaking, hand lettering, figure drawing, collage and mixed media –– while developing foundational skills in composition, line, texture and form.
Guided by professional artists and personal exploration, students will expand their creative toolkit, discover new ways to express their ideas and build confidence in their artistic voice.
Whether refining their craft or discovering new interests, this series o ers space to explore, reflect, and create with purpose.
Click here to sign up!
This class will meet from 11a.m.-noon weekly on Fridays Elementary (3–5)
Each week, students will explore a new book or story that sparks their imagination and helps them grow as readers and artists. Together, we’ll read fun and meaningful stories, talk about the characters and messages, and bring those ideas to life through hands-on art projects.
Whether it's painting a scene from a book, making a collage about a favorite character, or creating a story-inspired puppet, each workshop will connect reading with creativity in exciting and age-appropriate ways. This series is all about having fun with books and expressing ideas through art.
Program Schedule: Sept. 5-Dec. 19
Exploring Stories Through Art
Speak Your Truth:
The Art of Rap and Lyric Writing
This workshop series invites high school students to explore the power of words through rap, poetry, and lyrical expression.
Each week, participants will dive into di erent aspects of writing and performing from rhyme schemes and flow to storytelling, metaphor, and beat selection. Students will analyze influential lyrics, write their own verses, and collaborate with peers to refine their voice and message. Whether they’re new to writing or experienced with the pen, this series is all about self-expression, confidence, and using music as a tool to speak truth, share experiences, and move an audience.
Program Schedule: Sept. 2-Dec. 19
This club experience will meet from 3-5 p.m. weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Kindergarten–2nd grade
This fall, students in grades K–2 will embark on a magical semester-long journey with the Arts Partners STEAM Powered Camping Trip, where
K-2nd Sessions
This class will meet from 11 a.m.-noon weekly on Fridays STEAM Powered Camping Trip September:
Sun, Moon & Stars – Let’s Light Up the Sky
Program Schedule: Sept. 5-Sept. 26
Get ready to blast o into space as we explore the wonders of the sun, moon, and stars! Each day, we will discover something new about the sky above us — from how the sun gives us light, heat, and creates shadows, to how the moon changes shape, and how the stars tell amazing stories. We will make sun prints using real sunlight, paint the phases of the moon with glow-in-the-dark paint, and learn how constellations are like pictures in the sky. Then, you will get to design your own star pattern and transfer it to a black T-shirt that glows in the dark! It is going to be a magical space adventure full of light, color, and creativity — perfect for shining stars like you.
STEAM Powered Camping Trip
K-2nd Sessions
Light Up Like a Firefly!
Program Schedule: Oct. 3-Oct. 31
This class will meet from 11 a.m.-noon weekly on Fridays
Get ready to shine and glow as we learn all about fireflies, the tiny bugs that light up the night! This week, we’ll sing songs, paint pictures, and even learn how fireflies “talk” to each other by blinking their lights. You’ll use finger lights to practice your own firefly language and play fun games. The best part? You’ll get to make your own sock puppet firefly to take home! With wings, glowing paint, and big silly eyes, your firefly friend will help you tell glowing stories about the night sky, nature, and teamwork. Let’s explore, imagine, and sparkle- just like real fireflies!
This class will meet weekly from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Fridays
Let’s become builders and helpers just like animals and people all over the world! In this exciting adventure, we’ll learn why we all need shelters — cozy places that keep us safe from wind, rain, and sun. We’ll sing songs, watch cool videos, and use fun materials like sticks, clay, and paper to build our own mini shelters.
You’ll work with friends to create your own tiny forts and test them to see if they stay strong in the wind and rain. Just like real engineers, you’ll learn how to plan, build, and make your shelters even better. Get ready to create something awesome and learn how shelters help us stay safe and dry!
Click here to sign up!
STEAM Powered Camping Trip
December:
K-2nd Sessions
Campfire Songs & Stories
– Rock Your Imagination
Program Schedule: Dec. 5-Dec. 19
This class will meet from 11 a.m.-noon weekly on Fridays
Let’s go on a storytelling adventure around our pretend campfire. This month, you’ll become a storyteller and artist by creating your very own story stone — a painted rock that helps you tell a tale from your imagination. We’ll listen to fun campfire songs, share stories with our friends and play a story stone circle game, where your rock helps the whole group build a story together. Whether your story is about the night sky, a glowing star or a big bear in the woods, you’ll get to paint, tell and act it out. By the end of the month, you’ll be a campfire pro — ready to imagine, create and share like a real storyteller!
Click here to sign up!
3rd–5th Sessions
Sun, Moon & Stars – Science That Shines
Program Schedule: Sept. 5-Sept. 26
This class will meet from 11 a.m.-noon weekly on Fridays
Get ready to blast o into space as we explore the science of the Sun, Moon, and stars!
In this glowing adventure, you'll build a real solar oven to melt your own treats using sunlight, learn how constellations tell stories, and design your very own star pattern.
You'll even get to transfer your constellation to a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt! Each session is packed with hands-on fun that helps you discover how space a ects us on Earth. You’ll create, test, and shine just like the stars in the night sky.
Click here to sign up!
STEAM Powered Camping Trip
October:
3rdv–5th Sessions
Light Up the Night
– Discover the World of Fireflies!
Program Schedule: Oct. 3-Oct. 31
This class will meet from 2- 3 p.m. weekly on Fridays
Welcome to the magical world of fireflies — where science meets sparkle! In this glowing adventure, you'll learn how fireflies live, talk, and light up the night sky. Through songs, videos, watercolor painting, and hands-on activities, you'll explore their ecosystems, make your own firefly bookmarks, and even learn to “speak” their blinking language using finger lights! Each session brings a new way to discover how fireflies work together to survive — and how we can too. Get ready to create, paint, and communicate like a real firefly scientist!
Click here to sign up!
STEAM Powered Camping Trip
November:
3rd–5th Sessions
Shelter Builders – Strong, Smart, and Safe!
Program Schedule: Nov. 7-Nov. 28
This class will meet from 2-3 p.m. weekly on Fridays
Get ready to become real-life engineers and creative problem solvers! In this exciting four-part adventure, you'll explore how animals and humans build shelters to stay safe and strong. We'll sing songs, watch cool videos, and work in teams to build all kinds of awesome structures — from stick towers to wild weather shelters that can stand up to wind, rain, and even an earthquake test! You’ll get to design, build, test, and improve your creations using fun materials like clay, sticks, and more. By the end of our Shelter Builders challenge, you'll know what it takes to build something strong and safe — just like real engineers do!
STEAM Powered Camping Trip
December:
3rd–5th Sessions
Campfire Stories & Songs
– Create, Share and Shine!
Program Schedule: Dec. 5-Dec. 19
This class will meet from 11 a.m.-noon weekly on Fridays
Gather around the "campfire" and get ready for an adventure in imagination! This month, we’ll become storytellers, painters and performers as we explore how people have shared stories for thousands of years — around campfires, on painted stones and through games and art. You’ll paint your own story stone, play silly theater games and work together to create amazing campfire scenes using paint, glow-in-the-dark details and your own words. Whether you’re telling a tale about fireflies, tents or stars, you’ll get to share your ideas and bring your STEAM camp experience to life in creative ways.
Make Music,
Move, and Play!
Kindergarten–2
Program Schedule: Sept. 5- Dec. 19
This class will meet from 1-2 p.m. weekly on Fridays
In this fun and interactive music series, students will explore the magical world of sound through singing, movement, rhythm, and instruments. Each week, they’ll dive into a di erent musical concept—like tempo, melody, or beat—while discovering new songs and instruments from around the world.
Through games, storytelling, and hands-on activities, students will build listening skills, express themselves creatively, and experience the joy of making music together.
Whether they’re shaking a maraca, tapping a drum, or dancing to a beat, every session is designed to spark imagination and a love for music.
Take the Stage: Telling Powerful Stories Through
Theatre
9–12 grades
Program Schedule: Sept. 5-Dec. 19
This class will meet from 2-3 p.m. weekly on Fridays
In this engaging theatre and storytelling series, students will explore how to bring stories to life through performance. Each week, they’ll develop core acting skills like character creation, voice, movement, and improvisation all while also learning how to craft and perform original stories. From short scenes and monologues to collaborative skits and devised theatre, students will discover how to use the stage as a space for creativity, self-expression, and connection. Whether they're seasoned performers or trying theatre for the first time, this series encourages confidence, collaboration, and bold storytelling.
Tell a Tale, Make it Move! A Storytelling and Puppetry Adventure
Program Schedule: Sept.5 -Dec. 19
This class will meet from 2-3 p.m. weekly on Fridays
Elementary (K–4)
Get ready to bring stories to life! In this fun-filled workshop series, students will explore the magic of storytelling and puppetry each week.
From building their own puppets to acting out original and classic tales, kids will use their voices, hands, and imaginations to create characters, settings, and adventures.
Whether it's a silly story, a fairy tale, or one they dream up themselves, students will learn how to turn words into action and ideas into performances. Every Friday o ers a new opportunity to build confidence, creativity, and storytelling skills—one puppet at a time!
Meet the Artists!
Kay Alston
Kay Alston is an experienced music educator, teacher, director and performer. She has had a variety of musical experiences in the K-12 schools, church, community and Junior Colleges. She loves to sing, prepare music programs, interact with students and other interested musicians and teachers. Kay’s programs will engage your students and connect them to a variety of curriculum areas.
Stephanie Brinkley
Stephanie Brinkley is a children’s author, educator, and teaching artist passionate about sparking imagination through storytelling. She has served as an elementary teacher with the Wichita Public Schools and as a preschool teacher with Wichita Head Start. Stephanie holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and draws on over two decades of experience working with children and families. Her recently published debut picture book, Lightning Bug Jamboree, celebrates the magic of summer nights and the joy of nature. As a lifelong writer and advocate for early literacy, Stephanie now leads interactive storytimes and workshops that
Fabes Belcher
Fabes is a self-taught artist aiming to alter the human perspective on life through the thought-inspiring emotions of his vibrant paintings. He finds inspiration in philosophy, nature, and the state of culture. Fabes has worked full time as a paramedic since 2014 and entered the professional art space in 2017. Fabes believes that contrast is everything. The ability for contrast to highlight the importance of any given subject allows him to channel inspiration into captivating paintings. He wants to invite the viewer to have a conversation with themselves about their thoughts, beliefs, and place in this world.
During his creation process Fabes uses acrylic, pastel, spray paint, watercolor, and various other visual mediums.
“Just as my work as a paramedic helps to heal the body, I too understand art's potential to heal the mind.”
Daniel Baird “Handpan Dan”
Daniel first heard the handpan in 2009 and immediately fell in love with its mesmerizing sound. He has been playing the handpan since 2017 and it has become his biggest passion. He has performed at the Steel Mountain Handpan Gathering, the Derby Spring Into Art event, and has accompanied the WSU Shocker Choir and WuChoir. Daniel is finishing his Psychology degree at WSU and plans to use the handpan for therapeutic purposes. He plays for memory care, assisted living, yoga, hospice, and homeless events.
Daniel loves sharing the handpan with others and teaching them how to explore the instrument. He believes the handpan is the perfect instrument for allowing anyone to express their emotions musically, regardless of their musical experience.
The handpan is a steel instrument that was invented in recently in the year 2000 in Switzerland. It produces peaceful tones that sound similar to a harp, piano, guitar, or xylophone.
Geli Chavez
Geli Chavez is a multidisciplinary artist and creative conceptualist based in Wichita, Kansas. With a vibrant portfolio spanning illustration, photography, and design, her work is a bold celebration of identity, joy, and the everyday magic that surrounds us.
Drawing inspiration from her experiences growing up in a small town, Geli crafts pieces that are both playful and empowering. Her art is characterized by vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and a touch of humor, inviting viewers to embrace their individuality and find confidence in self-expression.
In her role as Program Coordinator at Arts Partners Wichita, Geli bridges her artistic passion with educational outreach, developing programs that integrate the arts into K–12 learning environments. Her e orts contribute to transforming young lives through creativity and community engagement.
Geli’s work has been featured in various exhibitions and collaborations, including the co-illustrated children’s book A Lot of Miles. Through her dynamic pieces and community involvement, she continues to inspire others to embrace their unique voices and perspectives
Tatiana Esqueda
Tatiana Esqueda aka Tatis is an up and coming artist in the Wichita area. Having released her debut album Rise in December of 2023 she is now an audio production student at the University of Wichita State. Writing lyrics since middle school, she is enthusiastic to pass on the lessons music has taught her. Whether singing or rapping, Tatis is eager to show students how to stay write on beat.
Anessa Relf
Anessa Relf has served as a Recreational Leader with the City of Wichita for the past eight years. Her current role as a Teaching Artist with Arts Partners Wichita for the past 3.5 years. She brings nearly four decades of local community insight and engagement to her role. Anessa studied Dental Assisting at Wichita Area Technical College and dedicated over 20 years to the dental field before transitioning to community recreation. Her passion lies in working closely with the public—particularly young adults—whose energy and creativity continue to inspire her own artistic pursuits. She has a deep appreciation for all forms of art, with a special interest in food art and crafting.
Damar Sarter
Damar Sarter - Hailing from our nations Capital City, Washington D.C..
Damar is a well practiced visual artist with focus in drawing and painting. For years, Damar has worked on diverse commissioned art work. His work includes portraits and murals. He has held a residency at the Hyphen Gallery in D.C., and since coming to Kansas continues to create and teach.
He is interested in leading a group in painting original designs on a large surface or individual canvases.
Rob Simon
Rob Simon is an experienced performer/trainer/consultant who has worked with school systems and various other agencies from coast to coast. He is a former junior high social studies teacher, and also spent 12 years as a K-12 teaching specialist in a Drug and Violence Free program for schools and communities. With a masters degree in communication, Rob is also a long-time singer/songwriter who uses music as a primary tool in his work. See http://www.positiverhythm.org/ for more information.
Rob also performs as part of the duo “Mirror Images.”
“If you’ve never had Rob do this performance for your school – you should! He is absolutely wonderful in connecting with kids …. Rob is an amazing educator and artist!”
M. Waters, Black Elementary, Wichita
Twyla Smith
Twyla Smith has been working with Arts Partners for approximately 25 years as a storyteller, puppetry, theater, and movement artist. She also works as a textile artist creating costumes. She works with children from toddler to middle school age. What Twyla like best about working with children is the look in their eyes when they create something.
Trevor Stewart
Trevor Stewart studied viola and music composition and performance at Wichita State University. Since 1998, Trevor has been playing the Chapman Stick, a unique musical instrument invented in 1969 by Emmett Chapman.
Trevor Stewart is a frequent performer in Wichita. His latest project is a collection called In The Hearts of Others and features Andrew Feldman and Mark Thorstenberg. Stewart’s primary instrument is the Chapman Stick.
“A Chapman Stick is an instrument that comes from California, invented in the late ‘60s. You play it just by tapping the strings. You don’t have to strum or pick the strings. You just tap right on ‘em. It has two six-string guitars on one big fretboard. There’s no body like on an electric guitar.