Harwood Art Center
With the belief that equitable access to the arts and opportunities for creative expression are integral to healthy individuals and thriving communities, Harwood Art Center blooms the philosophy of Escuela del Sol’s mission by engaging the arts as a catalyst for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and social change.
The building now known as Harwood Art Center originally housed the Harwood Girls School beginning in 1925. In 1991, Escuela del Sol Montessori opened the Harwood Art Center as a vibrant gathering place for artists and the community.
In the years since, Escuela + Harwood has expanded to serve a broad audience of youth and adults with a variety of programs, including arts education, engagement and community outreach initiatives for all ages. The Harwood building is the home to the Senior Elementary classroom; school art and music studios; the Harwood Cafe; resident artist studios; and apprenticeship, and teaching and professional development opportunities for artists.
"Art, expression, community, and service are critical components of a truly integrative, experiential, holistic approach to lifelong learning and discovery at Escuela."
-Sarah Louderbough, Senior El Montessori Guide
Professional Experience
Having the Harwood Art Center as part of the organization creates a unique educational experience unlike any other school.
When longtime Harwood artist Mark Horst needed a hand - more specifically, LOTS of hands - he turned to the Escuela del Sol community to lend theirs. Students were invited to spend two days contributing their handprints to “Blessing Hands,” a piece created to offer blessings and recognition to the Navajo and Mescalero Apache people during The Long Walk.
Unique Opportunities
Students at Escuela del Sol create art for Harwood exhibitions throughout the year. This gives them unique opportunities to have their art seen - and purchased! - by the broader arts community.
Students love re-telling the story of two well-known local artists, and Harwood collaborators, Reyes Padilla and David Santiago and their friendly competition for an Escuela student's art piece in Harwood’s annual 12x12 fundraising exhibition. David, who got to bring the piece home, says he keeps it near his desk for motivation when he’s in a “creative funk.” The two artists’ competition over a youth piece has become legendary and continues to inspire our students to aim for professional artist's studios to become the homes for their work .