Schedule
Fall 2926 Schedule
Wednesdays, October 14–November 18, 2026
1:30–4 pm | Fort Worden
Gallery opening: Wednesday, November 18
Opening time and location will be announced soon.
COSTS & REGISTRATION INFO
Ways to Support
Youth Artists Society is offered on a sliding scale. Families are invited to choose a contribution that works for their budget. Your support helps make this program possible and keeps future sessions accessible.
Every student receives the same complete program experience, regardless of the amount paid.
$100 — Pay It Forward: Covers program staffing and contributes to our scholarship fund for students who need financial assistance.
$65 — Program Support: Covers the cost of program staff.
$35 — Supported Rate: Covers the cost of teaching artists and mentors.
$20 — Commitment Contribution: Demonstrates your commitment to attending as many sessions as possible.
No student will be turned away due to cost. There is no mandatory fee—your time, creativity, and commitment are valuable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can participate?
Youth Artists Society is open to Jefferson County students in grades 6–12.
Do I need previous arts experience?
Bring your curiosity and willingness to collaborate. YAS offers opportunities to explore creative interests with guidance from professional mentors.
When does the fall session meet?
We meet Wednesdays from 1:30–4 pm, October 14–November 18, 2026, at Fort Worden. Specific meeting locations will be shared with enrolled families.
Who are the mentors?
Fall mentors include Keeth Apgar, Jesse Joshua Watson, and Rain Shadow Recording. More details about projects and mentor involvement will be shared soon.
What will students create?
Students will work on creative projects with their mentors, culminating in a gallery opening on Wednesday, November 18. Project details, opening time, and location will be announced soon.
How much does it cost?
YAS is offered on a sliding scale, with suggested contributions of $100, $65, $35, or $20. Choose the amount that works for your family. Every student receives the same program experience, and no student will be turned away due to cost.
Is transportation available?
Transportation assistance is available. Contact adeleon@centrum.org to discuss your needs and arrangements.
What if I can’t attend every session?
We encourage students to attend as many sessions as possible. If you have a scheduling conflict, contact Alyssa before enrolling to discuss participation.
How do I sign up?
Email Program Manager Alyssa de Leon at adeleon@centrum.org for enrollment information or click on the Register Now Button.
Fall 2026 Faculty
Keeth Apgar
About
“An acoustic treat.” – Seattle’s Child MagazineWith a 1000 songs written in his 35 prolific years of songwriting, Northwest singer-songwriter Keeth Monta Apgar has created an enormous pile of music.
Keeth strums ukuleles, acoustic guitars and fronts Indie-Folk band The Harmonica Pocket. Rich in image, harmony and rhyme, his lyrical songs tell stories about plants, love, forgiveness and the outdoors. He writes, records and performs for all-ages audiences in clubs, festivals, museums, schools and libraries around the Pacific Northwest. Read More
Jesse Watson
Faculty
About
Born in an Underground Railroad house, Jesse Joshua Watson now lives with his wife and sons in Port Townsend, WA. His art has been in 38 Children’s Books, on dozens of book covers, featured in magazines, concert posters, album covers and in galleries and museums up and down the west coast as well as NYC. His work is in collections across the US, Caribbean, Brazil and Europe. Jesse has traveled the world extensively (6/7 continents – guess which one he hasn’t been to*), often engaging in social justice and crisis response in places like Haiti and Siberia. In addition to writing and illustrating books, exhibiting fine art and teaching art to kids, Jesse plays soccer religiously, music frequently and surfs the chilly waters of the NW as often as he can, which, as you probably guessed… is not nearly enough.
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