The Summer Enrichment Arts Program takes place during the summer months as a group of students are invited to engage in projects aimed at enriching their understanding of a selective art medium. A local artist works hands-on with students, teaching them the fundamentals of creating one of many forms of art work.

The summer arts program is a two-part component.
Part one is designed to deliver the basic fundamentals of drawing and painting, and to familiarize students with the basic vocabulary of art, the use of tools and materials, the process of making art, history and theory.

Part two is a hands-on production; students will be involved in the process of creating and painting, Las Puertas de Puerto Rico/The Doors of Puerto Rico.

This year, the students will be working hands-on with a selected community artist to engage in creating replicas of the beautiful doors of San Juan.

Puerto Rico is known for being a tropical island of beauty and tranquility. In such a small island, Paradise is the common word which is used by many tourists and natives. As one strolls down the old cobblestone streets of Viejo San Juan one can only stop to admire many of its architectural beauty which is displayed in many of the merchants entrances—”the doors/Las Puertas”.

In order to appreciate the beauty and splendor of many doors, one has to look deep inside to the architectural buildings in many cities across the island.

The Puerta de San Juan (San Juan Gate) was built in the late 1700s, is one of six heavy wooden doors in the wall which for centuries were closed at sundown to cut off access to the city and protect the city from invaders. The wall is up to 20 feet thick and up to 40 feet tall.

El Morro, a powerful and six-level fortress, construction began in 1540 and completed in 1589 (49 years to complete this project). Its beauty and archectual and intrigue work speaks for itself. El Morro, 140 feet above the sea, its 18-foot thick wall proved a formidable defense. El Morro is located in Viejo San Juan.

Capilla del Cristo is one of the oldest church built centuries ago. The legend behind it is that a young man on horseback plunged over the cliff (where the church is located today). During his descent he prayed to one of the Catholics saints to spare his life. Legend has it, his life was spared but his horse died. The Church was built to commemorate this event.

These are just few key places in Puerto Rico that the students will be exploring through a visual art form.