Kimball Art Center

Park City, Utah Art Center

Utah Art Education: Kimball Art Center and the EVA Program

March 5, 2024
a young person uses colored pencils to draw an image.

Art education plays a crucial role in child development, and Kimball Art Center is committed to making it accessible across Utah through programs like EVA (Elementary Visual Arts). This impactful initiative brings high-quality art instruction to three of four Park City elementary schools, enriching students’ lives with creative experiences that foster self-expression, confidence, and critical thinking.

The Value of Art Education in Utah

In the 1980s, art funding was removed from Utah’s elementary school curriculum. In response to fluctuating volunteer programs, the Kimball Art Center, parents, the school district, and the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) collaborated to establish the Elementary Visual Arts (EVA) program. In 2012, this program was made available to all elementary schools, with Park City’s McPolin, Parley’s Park, and Trailside schools opting to participate.

How Kimball Art Center Supports Utah’s Art Education

As a prominent arts institution in Park City, Kimball Art Center is dedicated to enhancing arts accessibility. EVA provides licensed instructors, high-quality materials, and hands-on projects to engage students in ways that standard curricula often overlook. By supporting this program, Kimball Art Center contributes to a well-rounded educational experience, giving young learners in Utah a space to explore their creativity.

EVA’s Impact on Utah Schools

Through EVA, thousands of elementary students participate in art classes that enhance learning and self-expression. Kimball Art Center’s role in this initiative not only enriches young lives but also strengthens community ties, fostering a love for the arts that students carry beyond the classroom.

For more on how Kimball Art Center is shaping the future of Utah’s art education, visit our website or the Park City Education Foundation. 

Other Arts Education Opportunities for Utah’s Youth

In addition to robust summer camps, enriching year-round classes, and the transformative EVA program, Kimball Art Center engages with students across Utah in numerous ways, including:

  • The Young Artists Academy (YAA) Program:
    Each school year, a select group of young artists participates in the YAA program, enhancing their portfolios while connecting with local artists. The program encourages students to explore creative careers and develop their ideas and skills. The application process is competitive, ensuring participants are dedicated and mature. YAA students engage in projects and critiques that help them grow both artistically and professionally.
  • K-12 Tours:
    Kimball Art Center offers free K-12 Art Tours that integrate art with core subjects like math, science, and history. The tours promote creativity, problem-solving, and self-confidence through discussions and hands-on projects. Outreach coordinators visit classrooms or host field trips to the Kimball Art Center for grade-appropriate lessons. These tours connect art with essential subjects, enriching students’ overall educational experience.
  • After-School Programs:
    The Kimball Art Center’s after-school programs provide students with an opportunity to explore different mediums and techniques while fostering artistic growth. These programs encourage collaboration and self-expression among peers. After-school activities offer a fun, educational outlet for students to engage with art outside of the classroom.
  • Inspiring Exhibitions:
    The Kimball Art Center curates exhibitions that invite dialogue and challenge viewers. We focus on creating accessible, relatable experiences for families and visitors of all ages. Each exhibition is designed to offer fresh perspectives and inspire learning. By making art approachable, we encourage continued education for audiences young and old.