Art Programs at DNDA
Learn about DNDA’s free specialized art programs for children and families living in nearby affordable housing, including affordable housing properties owned by DNDA and Seattle Housing Authority. Our Art team regularly collaborates with DNDA’s Nature department and local DNDA teaching artists to get community members outside for EcoArts activities.
EcoArts
EcoArts in the Woods
DNDA’s Art program was founded to help community members connect with nature through art. We quickly coined this approach as “EcoArts.” In the process of creating art using natural and recycled materials, participants learn the value of our local green spaces, how to create sustainable art, and the healing power of engaging in nature. Our Art team, with the help of DNDA teaching artists, joins our Nature department at restoration volunteer work parties in West Seattle’s urban forests to guide attendees of all ages through EcoArts activities, including making clay using materials from the earth, constructing sculptures out of found natural objects, creating native plant identification journals, and much more. Learn more about our Nature team’s Urban Forest Restoration program and volunteering outside at dnda.org/nature.
EcoArts Spring Break Camp
Every April during Seattle Public Schools’ spring break, DNDA’s Art team rallies about a dozen elementary school students living in Seattle Housing Authority’s High Point affordable housing site for a highly-anticipated week full of outdoor adventure and creativity. The kids spend each day getting to know Camp Long, where DNDA teaching artists and the Seattle Parks and Recreation crew teach them to rock climb, identify native plant species, create art using natural materials, photograph the forest, and much more — all at no cost. Learn more about our Neighborhood programming at dnda.org/neighborhood.
Afterschool at Croft
DNDA’s Art team brings youth living at Croft Place Townhomes — one of DNDA’s affordable housing properties — a new art project every week, often integrating an outdoor activity during warm weather. DNDA teaching artists stop by to teach special skills to the kids, including cooking, playing musical instruments, dancing, and more. Learn more about our Neighborhood department at dnda.org/neighborhood.
EcoArts Education
Our Art department, along with environmental educators from our Nature team, visit local classrooms to teach young students environmental science through art. EcoArts lessons provide students opportunities to learn hands on, increasing their ability to retain information and apply what they have learned outside the classroom. DNDA has guided students from Louisa Boren STEM K-8 through EcoArts projects for many years, often in the outdoor classroom at Delridge Wetland Park. Learn more about our Nature department’s educational programming and Delridge Wetland Park project at dnda.org/nature.
High Point Youth Development Collaborative
Every month, multiple nonprofit and community organizations that serve the High Point neighborhood, including DNDA and Seattle Housing Authority, come together to bring local teens and their families together with dinner, art activities, mentorship, sports, and community resources. DNDA’s Art team offers an art activity to the kids at each session — from watercolor to persevering flowers — with help from teen volunteers.
DNDA Teaching Artists
Join the DNDA’s Art team!
DNDA’s Art team employs professional teaching artists who specialize in a variety of disciplines, including painting, multimedia visualizing, dancing, pastels, and more.
DNDA teaching artists are from the communities we serve in West Seattle — with many living in our affordable housing for artists at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.
We are dedicated to paying all of our artists equitable wages to help sustain art-making in the region.
About Art Programs at DNDA
Event and Classes
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
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Art’s 2023 Impact
Weekly programs and art events hosted to keep the pulse of our community beating.
BIPOC Representation Of the individuals we served, 81% identified as BIPOC, reflecting the true nature vibrance of our neighborhood
community members the individuals we serve, reached through our programs and events
Nature’s Partners
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