Our Programs
MCG Youth & Art’s programming and courses are designed to open the creative potential of our participants while teaching our parent company, Manchester Bidwell Corporation’s, guiding principles in a safe and encouraging environment.
ATP (After-School Apprenticeship Training Program)
MCGYA offers an after-school Apprenticeship Training Program (ATP) for high school students which includes courses in all four studios: ceramics, design arts, digital arts and photography.
ATP is offered only to Pittsburgh Public high school students at no cost. Courses are regularly scheduled to run weekdays from 3–5:30 p.m., but some exceptions do occur. Transportation via yellow bus is provided from select Pittsburgh Public High Schools Monday through Friday.
Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) students may also access transportation tickets for use on public buses. At the end of the day, PPS students are shuttled from our building to downtown Pittsburgh and use bus passes to travel home to their various neighborhoods.
Alternative School Day Program
Based on our after-school arts program for high school students and set in our four art studios, our Alternative School Day Program (ASP) courses are focused on underserved middle school and high-school aged youth. Specifically, ASP serves students in charter schools, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services and alternative educational settings for behavioral, familial or developmental reasons.
In addition, ASP students may attend Studio Seminars after school on Fridays during which they can explore alternative studios and processes as a complement to their school day.
Art Explorers
MCGYA’s Art Explorers program is a one-day workshop that combines a gallery tour with exhibition specific activities to engage youth in the work of professional artists while developing their skills.
The program is designed for middle school students and meets Pennsylvania’s academic standards for Arts & Humanities and Communications.
If you are an educator interested in participating in our Art Explorers program, please contact:
Claira Heitzenrater
MCG Youth and Arts Program Coordinator
Ext. 187
Artist-in-Schools
Our Artist-in-Schools program is a short-term residency that pairs our teaching artists with middle and high school teachers to enhance their curriculum through dynamic arts-based
lessons. Residencies can last between 2 and 16 days.
If you are an educator interested in participating in our Artist-in-Schools program, please contact:
Claira Heitzenrater
MCG Youth and Arts Program Coordinator
Ext. 187
Summer Studios
Similar to our after-school ATP, our Summer Studios offer an exciting opportunity for Pittsburgh area youth (grades 5–12) to create art during the summer. We provide state-of-the-art equipment and professional-grade materials to help students create one-of-a-kind works of art in our virtual ceramics, photography, design, and digital art studios.
Art After Dark
We also offer evening art classes for adults whether you’re an artist, art educator, art lover or someone seeking a hands-on hobby. Our staff of professional teaching artists will help you nourish your spirit in one of Pittsburgh’s best art facilities.
Our studio classes are offered for a fee. Educators qualify for 25% off tuition (materials fees still apply) and Pittsburgh Public School educators are eligible to earn Act 48 hours.