Everything I know as an educator I learned from my students — especially the 10 to 15-year olds. Teaching critical thinking, artistry, and communications leads to awakenings. It amplifies existing abilities and creates new breakthroughs. Introducing Open Space Education. We’re supported, in part, by generous grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. In our classes, students cultivate connections between art, their daily lives, and the great outdoors. Senses are heightened. Skills are learned and sharpened. We prepare students for enhanced success in any endeavor or challenge ahead. Think of our program as a bridge to college preparation courses, vocational training, or direct-to-workforce opportunities. Open Space collaborates with teaching artists for classes which amplify their passions, strengths, and wisdom drawn from their professional practices. Three of the four classes meet after school (4-5:30pm) throughout the city of Richmond VA. Although developed as a way to safely teach youth during the pandemic, Open Space Education’s long-term goal is to extend outdoor programming well into the future.