Overview

The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) Youth Arts Program is a dynamic curriculum of classes, performance, and exhibition opportunities emphasizing arts as a way of life for a lifetime. Students in the Youth Arts Program (YAP) develop a unique artistic voice as they explore and create art in community with their peers.

Program Dates

Winter/Spring Semester: January 5 — June 11

No classes on: January 19, February 16, April 6, April 13–16, and May 25.

Class Pricing

Pricing is per semester and is prorated for holidays.

Mondays: $765

Tuesdays: $945

Wednesdays: $945

Thursdays: $945

CHAW never turns a child away for inability to pay. Sliding scale registration and payment plans are available for all registrants. Please contact Brian Washington at brian@chaw.org for more information. Request forms may be picked up at the front desk or online.

Studio classes: 4:00-5:00pm and 5:00-6:00pm OR 4:30-6:00pm

Each studio teaching artist tailors lessons and projects to student age and skill level. Returning students build on previous concepts and knowledge. All classes teach and reinforce arts fundamentals while nurturing personal artistic growth through foundational skills building, creative exploration, critique demonstration and performance history, independent projects and community building

Village Time: 3:30-4:00pm OR 3:30-4:30pm

When a student enters CHAW for the after school arts program, they are welcomed into a community of artful thinking, creativity, and collaboration.  When not in class, students are invited to participate in village activities ranging from games to homework help to drop-in art projects. Village time offers an opportunity for students to engage with peers who are not in their classes at school, allowing for new connections, friendships, and perspectives to be formed in a safe and nurturing environment where every voice matters and every child is celebrated for his or her unique creative contributions.

COVID Safety

If you haven’t been in our building in the past year you’ll notice some updates when you walk in the door. Hand sanitizers are located in each room and entrance. Social distancing is observed where possible. Frequent hand washing is encouraged. Masks are optional in the building at this time and cleaning and disinfecting are done on a regular basis. Learn more about our COVID-19 resources here. 

Van Service

CHAW van service is operating to various local schools in and around Capitol Hill. Sign up is available on the following page. $150 for each sign up day for the semester. For example: Monday and Tuesdays for Fall semester will total $300. 

NOTE: If you are interested in van service from Brent Elementary, please contact Catherine@CHAW.org. We will offer van service from Brent on a limited basis, depending on demand.

CHAW Health & Wellness Guidelines

If Your Child Is Sick, Please Keep Them Home

Children should stay home if they have:

Fever of 100.4°F or higher (must be fever-free for 24 hours without medicine)

Cough, sore throat, congestion, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes 

Any symptoms of COVID-19, flu, or strep

_{If a Child Becomes Sick at CHAW:}                                                                                                                                                           

Faculty will call home immediately if a child appears sick or develops symptoms.

The child will wait in a supervised, comfortable area until pickup.                                                                              

The classroom and materials will be cleaned and sanitized before reuse.                                               

_{Children may return when they are:}                                                                                                 

Fever-and symptom-free for 24 hours (without medication)                                                                                

Feeling well enough to fully participate                                                                                                   

Cleared by a healthcare provider if the illness was contagious

_{For Everyone’s Health:}                                                                                                             

Wash hands or use sanitizer often                                                                                                    

Cover coughs and sneezes                                                     

Notify CHAW if your child has a confirmed contagious illness      

Teaching Artist – Blas Goncalves-Borrega

01/30/2026 – 03/20/2026

Friday, 4:30-6:00pm

Tuition – $250.00

Bring your ‘tweens and teens to CHAW Friday afternoons!!

Keep them educated and entertained with the powerful art of comic storytelling!

Sequential Artist Blas Goncalves-Borrega will teach an introduction to comic storytelling (aka sequential art) along with coaching advanced or intermediate students to help them deepen their original concepts and elaborate on their original creations.

This class is designed to catch kids as they wrap up their last year at YAP so that they may continue their comic storytelling practice. It is also suitable for older ‘tween and teen students with an interest in storytelling, drawing, and ‘zines who want to strengthen their art style and storytelling ability.

NOTE: This class teaches hand drawing and inking skills, NOT digital art. All materials provided.

Spanish speakers welcome!

Teaching Artist – Louisa Mejeur

01/05/2026 – 02/23/2026

Mondays, 4:00-4:55pm

Tuition – $145.00

An introduction to expressive movement and a ballet dance vocabulary for CHAW’s youngest dancers. Students will be exposed to music, dance games, and imaginative play in addition to foundational ballet steps and positions.

Please ensure dancers have ballet shoes, hair pulled up, and are wearing leotards (WITHOUT tights) for girls or a tight shirt and bike shorts for boys.

In order to aid students focus, we ask that all parents wait outside of the classroom. If your child will need help using the bathroom please remain at CHAW during their class time. Please also remain if your student may experience separation anxiety (which usually subsides within a month).

No class January 19 and February 16.

Teaching Artist – Louisa Mejeur

01/05/2026 – 02/23/2026

Mondays, 5:00-5:55pm

Tuition – $145.00

This class furthers children’s expressive movement skills and deepens their ballet vocabulary and capabilities. Class will be tailored to the level of enrolled children but will include dance coordination and musicality skills, imaginative expression, and foundational ballet steps and vocabulary19 and February 16.

Please ensure dancers have ballet shoes, hair pulled up, and are wearing leotards (skirt and tights optional) for girls or a tight shirt and bike shorts for boys.

No class January 19 and February 16.

Teaching Artist – Brynn Bodair

01/06/2026 – 02/10/2020

Tuesdays, 5:15-6:00pm

Tuition – $120.00

This class provides a creative and expressive environment for students to learn and practice the fundamentals of hip hop dance. Each week, students will learn and practice hip hop movement vocabulary. The movement will culminate in a variety of combinations, changing throughout the class session. This class will help students develop confidence, coordination, self-esteem, body awareness, and individuality. All experience levels and bodies are welcome as modifications and adjustments will be offered as necessary.

No class January 27.

Teaching Artist – Natasha Czarniewy

09/17/2025 – 12/17/2025

Wednesdays, 10:10-11:00am

Tuition – $15.00 online, or $20.00 cash at the door

In this Creative Movement Class, our youngest dancers will explore their minds, bodies, and voices. Movement is incorporated into all aspects of DANCING, SINGING, STORYTIME. Children may choose to participate by dancing, moving, singing, and manipulating props. While this class focuses on the most natural element of early childhood development — moving your body! — it is also designed to meet very young children at their developmental stage. Some children may choose to participate quite actively, some to sing and sway, and some just to listen and watch.

Caregivers MUST REMAIN, to assist, comfort, and motivate children.

Doors open at 10:00am, class begins at 10:10am.

This class will continue into 2026!

Teaching Artist – Irene Chow

01/10/2026 – 05/16/2026

Saturdays, 9:00-9:55am

Five Week Voucher – $170.00

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki was an internationally renowned music educator who believed in the unlimited potential of children. Using the principles of Suzuki music education, this class is a nurturing, delightful introduction to music for children ages 0-3, accompanied by a caregiver. Led by a certified Suzuki Early Childhood Education teacher, children and their caregivers will interact with each other and with music through rhythm, melody, movement, and musical instruments. “Where love is deep, much can be accomplished.” – Dr. Shinichi Suzuki

NOTE: This class is offered either by a series of FIVE CLASS VOUCHERS, or by registering for the entire 16-WEEK semester. Although the class meets on 16 Saturdays, by registering with a 5-class voucher, you can choose the five dates that work for your family. You may purchase multiple five class vouchers.

No class on February 14, March 28, and April 4.