Blog
How Local Art Programs Strengthen Breckenridge Schools
Key Takeaways
Breck Create partners with Summit County schools on in-school and after-school programs, as well as field trips led by working artists.
Programs listed on our site include an artist-in-residence at Snowy Peaks High School, After School Art at Upper Blue and Dillon Valley elementary schools, and Hispanic Heritage workshops at four elementary schools.
Our in-school programming is 100% underwritten by contributions from individuals, philanthropic corporations, and private foundations.
Teachers can request a program or a field trip by emailing jae@breckcreate.org. Field trips are open to students from elementary school through college.
One of our favorite things about bringing creativity to life here in Breckenridge is helping our smallest residents discover just how much they can make and do with their own hands and minds.
Through partnerships with Summit County schools, we help students explore creativity through hands-on art experiences. And the results are always fun and worth highlighting, both for the kids in the classroom and their families.
Here’s how Breck Create works with Summit County schools, and what we’re up to right now. Plus, we’ll show you how it is funded and how you can get involved, no matter your age or stage!
Three Ways Art Reaches Local Schools
We believe creativity is best when it’s flexible and free. That’s why we don’t have one school program. We have three!
This makes it easier for teachers and families to find opportunities that fit their schedule and needs:
In-school programming. Local artists lead hands-on classroom projects. These range from recurring to one-time events, and they’re designed around curriculum and social-emotional learning goals.
After-school programming. We bring in teaching artists to lead unique programs for kids, tweens, and teens around the community. These are built around ideas like observation, conversation, hands-on experimentation, and more.
Field trips. We love to welcome area students to our campus. Field trips include activities like docent-led tours with hands-on art projects or self-guided visits. We can customize trips to grade-level curriculum, from elementary school through college.
Want to learn more? You can see all three and the full details for each on our school programming page.
How Breck Create Works With Summit County Schools
Right now, we’ve got several fun opportunities happening in local classrooms, which showcase the breadth of our creative focus. Here’s a look at the programs listed on our in-school programming page.
Artist-in-Residence at Snowy Peaks High School. Artist Jodi Stuart leads hands-on, technology-based projects using 3D pens and our Precious Plastic studio, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and creativity.
After School Art at Upper Blue Elementary and Dillon Valley Elementary. Project-based work across visual mediums, led by teaching artists Emily Jones and Brittney Isaacs.
Hispanic Heritage programs. Artist Cal Duran visits four Summit County elementary schools to make traditional Ojo de Dios weavings, which are used in altars and shown at the Día de Muertos + Latin Festival. Photographer Juan Fuentes also leads a photography workshop at Summit High School.
Handmade Holiday. Middle and high school students run their own creative booths, and elementary school choirs carol through the evening. Our Handmade Holiday is planned for December 2026; see our winter events guide for more.
Art That Connects Students to Their Town
The best school programs aren’t just activities that take place behind a desk. They should also connect students to the town they live in – and especially the people who make up our community. We work hard to link experiences to hands-on opportunities that help students connect with local businesses, organizations, and individuals they’ll know long after the classroom.
In past years, students at the Peak School collected recyclable plastic for four months for artist Calder Kamin.
We also ran a marker collection across five schools to feed our Precious Plastic studio, and the school that collected the most by weight, Summit High School, won a free AirStage concert.
We’re proud that our students get to be part of Breckenridge’s cultural life, and that’s the point of it all!
Who Pays for These Opportunities?
We’re incredibly thankful for the many partners who believe that creativity has a place in local schools.
Our in-school programming is 100% underwritten by contributions from individuals, philanthropic corporations, and private foundations. We thank partners such as The Summit Foundation, Think360 Arts, and Climax Molybdenum for all they do for our programs.
And you can also help out with Breck Create memberships and by signing up to take classes and courses on our campus. Every dollar helps us continue to drive the mission to connect all people to creativity.
Breck Create serves more than 2,000 local youth annually. In 2024, we provided 135 days of summer-camp and after-school programming, plus 54 days of school-based programming. You can read more in our post on the impact of art on community.
How to Bring a Program to Your School
If you’re looking for ways to connect your students to creative opportunities, we make it easy to get started:
Teachers and school staff. Email jae@breckcreate.org to ask about an in-school program. For a field trip, send your request to our team, and we’ll be in touch!
Parents. Look at our youth and family classes. Our BECAS scholarships are available based on financial need. A scholarship waives the class registration fee, and applications are available in English and Spanish.
Artists and instructors. If you’d like to lead an after-school program, email the same address and tell us what you teach.
Neighbors. Become a member or make a gift through breckcreate.org. School programming runs on that kind of support.
Ready to Bring Art Into Your Classroom?
We’re always looking for ways to expand our creativity in the classroom. If you’re a teacher, a parent, or an artist with an idea, we’d love to hear from you.
To learn more or get started, email jae@breckcreate.org and explore our school programming to see all the opportunities that await classes across our area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Breck Create work with Summit County schools?
We run in-school programs led by local artists, after-school programs led by teaching artists, and field trips to our campus. Programs are designed around curriculum and social-emotional learning goals.
Are Breck Create’s school programs free?
Our in-school programming is 100% underwritten by contributions from individuals, philanthropic corporations, and private foundations.
How can a teacher request a program or a field trip?
Email jae@breckcreate.org. For field trips, you can also download the Field Trip Planner from our school programming page.
Is financial help available for classes?
Yes. Our BECAS scholarships are based on financial need and waive the class registration fee. Applications are available in English and Spanish.
Can I teach an after-school program?
Artists interested in leading after-school programming can email jae@breckcreate.org to discuss opportunities!