arts-X-press started in 2001, in celebration of Cole Carsan St. Clair, and for fifteen years, we have dedicated three weeks during the summer to creating an environment where young artists can immerse themselves in art, friendship, and creative risk-taking! Pacific Symphony Music Director Carl St. Clair, whose passion for arts education has been the driving force for this program for the past 15 years, explains, "I formed arts-X-press around someone who looks a lot like me at that age. I was a painter, I wrote poetry, I was in the one-act play, I played in a rock band, I sang. I did all of the arts, because I find there's such an intertwining action between them. To have everybody in the arts-X-press weeks experience all the arts in a single day can be a very, very influential and powerful moment in their lives." And from our arts workshops to our Creative Expression writing classes, and even our excursions to places like Pageant of the Masters, Symphony in the Cities, and a theater production of Tarzan, each student was able to experience all of the art forms in new and inspiring ways. 
arts-X-press really is like a family. We hope to create a safe, loving environment that helps our young artists be themselves and continue to take creative risks, whether it's during their five days with us, or back in their own schools and communities. We hope that they will remember the magical moments in their time with us, and share them with the people they love back home. As one of our campers put it, "magical moments last a lifetime," and we hope that our young artists keep searching for those magical moments, wherever life takes them next!We wanted to share some of the stories that our arts-X-press campers, counselors, and staff shared with us at the end of their sessions. We are so inspired by the ways that arts-X-press really transforms all those who have experienced the program, and we hope you will be inspired too. :)
"My favorite moment was waking up on Sunday, and realizing that I wasn't at home. I was at a place that I hadn't been before, but I would have a great experience. I've made a lot of new friends and they have all helped me feel like I'm actually a part of something." -Mircea, AXP camper
"When I was a camper, I really wanted to get into visual arts. But when I got here, they put me into vocal arts! And I loved it. Now, I'm in show choir in my high school--I've been in it for many years--and I came back to arts-X-Press as a counselor! I love seeing these kids grow and get out of their comfort zones, just like I did when I was a camper." -Daven, AXP counselor
"Whether it's visual art or creative writing, whether it's dancing or learning how to sing, or being an actor, our campers get that opportunity to be themselves in a safe place, where they can just let it happen and let it flow." -Wendy, AXP teacher
We are so proud of all the amazing young artists that we got to work with this summer. We hope you will continue to take creative risks, and rediscover your passion for art wherever you go! Special thanks to all of the counselors and staff who put so much hard work into making our 15th year so special! And thank you to the St. Clair family, for your incredible support for this amazing program that has touched so many lives, and will continue to inspire all of our young artists for years to come.
