163 young artists shine at DoDEA Europe's Creative Connections
For forty years, gifted visual and performing arts students across DoDEA Europe have found a unique haven for creative expression at Creative Connections, an annual six-day symposium in Hubingen, Germany. Recently, 163 talented individuals embraced this extraordinary opportunity to showcase their artistic brilliance and fuel their artistic passions.
The primary goal of the symposium is to provide students with advanced instruction in fine arts. The offerings are diverse, ranging from drama, dance, and strings to drawing, mixed media to include short film and live video, and fashion. This expansive range ensures that every student can find a path to nurture their educational goals, passions, and skills.
DoDEA Europe Creative Connections 2023
"As a witness to the transformative power of Creative Connections, I am profoundly moved by the dedication, passion, and creativity displayed by our students and teachers. This event is a testament to the impact that the arts can have on young minds,” stated Mx. Andy Engels, DoDEA Europe fine arts instructional systems specialist (ISS) and Creative Connections project officer. “Creative Connections is a life-changing week where artistic expression paves the way to self-discovery, collaboration, and lifelong memories.”
The selection process for the students who get to participate in Creative Connections is rigorous, 294 auditions were submitted with 163 students selected, reflecting the region’s commitment to excellence in the arts. These young artists are chosen for their outstanding skills, dedication, and potential. The event offers a platform for them to further their artistic journey, learn from experts consisting of 30 teachers, and gain an invaluable experience. The 163 students were selected from 18 high schools across DoDEA Europe.
Creative Connections promotes a student-centered learning environment where the social and emotional learning activities support students in taking ownership of their learning, help set goals, and provide an outlet for student choice and voice through intentionally designed workshops. Students in the workshop gain invaluable development in self-awareness, self-management of tasks, decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness.
String students pose for a group photo at Creative Connection 2023. At the Strings workshop, which included violin, viola, cello, and bass players, students refined their skills and performed at the final concert on Nov. 17.
A visual arts student from Stuttgart High School remarked, “I love the environment at Creative Connections, the supportive and safe space that it is, and how we get to have fun and be ourselves with other creative friends. It's so fun to learn new techniques and spend all day working on art. The night of the final shows is always exhilarating when you get to see all the visual art that was made in just a few short days all in the same room together. There isn't another program in DoDEA where you can hear kids singing in the hallways crowded in a circle or working on art all day. Everyone is so supportive and wonderful memories are always made. It has allowed me to make friends with other artists for life, and I am so grateful for that.”
The week of intensive learning culminated on Friday evening with an art exhibition and stage show. It was a chance for the young artists to not only showcase their newfound skills but also to connect with their peers, teachers, and community. From drama to dance, strings to garage band, the stage came alive with the energy and enthusiasm of the performing students. It was a display of knowledge, understanding, and skill.
Watch the Creative Connections 2023 Art Show and Live Performance
“As we reflect on the grand finale of Creative Connections, it's evident that the week's achievements were nothing short of remarkable. To put together an event of such magnitude in just one week is a testament to the talent, hard work, and dedication of our students and teachers,” said Engels.
A performing arts student from Kaiserslautern High School stated, “I really made a family here. I got to meet some incredible people that I never would have met without this opportunity. I got to interact with people who shared the same passion as me, and even though we all had different past experiences, we all came together and became a family, and that was just truly incredible."
Creative Connections has proven to be a life-changing event, leaving a profound impact on the young artists and teachers who participated. It's a testament to the transformative power of the arts and the incredible potential that resides within the Europe region.
