This program pairs a professional artist with a child at risk as identified through the school district. Mentoring through Art is a one-on-one mentoring program that focuses on positive role models combined with successful art experiences. The program includes student exhibitions and awards as a way to build self-confidence and self-esteem. Techniques in drawing, songwriting, comic books making, scratch board art, papier-mâché, sculpture, film making, canvas painting, poetry and spoken word, hip hop dance, clay building, ceramics, flower arranging, scrapbooking, architectural rendering, photography, Lego construction and model making are a few of the art experiences our volunteers have provided to children who would not otherwise be given these experiences. ARTreach awards Mentoring through Art Programs and other scholarship opportunites to talented children in the Katy ISD KEYS Program (Keep Encouragung Youth towards Success) “Out of Africa” is an ARTreach Cultural Arts Program taught by Professional Teaching Artist Vickie McMillan. This 6 week art course combines Watercolor lessons with stories, music, photos and facts that details Vickie’s own journey as a missionary and an artist through Africa. Vickie is teaching applied watercolor techniques while inspiring students to paint African wildlife, Sunsets, indigenous trees. She introduces creative writing and journaling techniques that explore the unique customs associated with the African people and their culture. The students will create a world tour portfolio and watercolor journal that traces their own unfolding and imaginative journey through this unique country and culture. “Out of Africa” supports educational objectives aimed at social studies, world geography and fine arts. The program also supports ARTreach objectives aimed at self awareness, self expression, environmental awareness, cultural differences and social compassion. This artist offers a similar program based on her Art Journey through the Philippines, Mexico and Thailand. Her programs are also available for professional staff development.