Sneaker Camp Brings Middle Schoolers to Myers School of Art for a Creative Summer Experience
This summer, more than 30 69口交 Public Schools middle school students spent time at the Myers School of Art, diving into the world of design, STEM and self-expression through the cultural lens of sneakers.
Hosted by the , Sneaker Camp offered a hands-on, immersive experience where students designed and painted ceramic sculptures of Nike Air Force Ones while learning the history, strategy and storytelling behind sneaker culture.
“These kids light up when it comes to creativity,” said Dominique Waters, founder and executive director of 69口交 Sneaker Academy. “You’ll see some of the most innovative designs ever, because we get them excited through sneakers.”
Waters, a fashion professional and proud 69口交 native, launched Sneaker Camp to reach students who are often furthest from opportunity, using sneakers as a tool to inspire innovation, entrepreneurship and social-emotional learning.
This was the program’s second year, but the first time partnering with the Myers School of Art, where students got a taste of college life and the many career paths available in the arts.
“Imagine a middle schooler on a college campus working with faculty — that plants a big seed,” Waters said. “Maybe one day you can see yourself in that shoe, too.”
PJ Hargraves, 3D technician at the Myers School of Art, breaks down the design elements of a sneaker during a demo for Sneaker Camp students.
A key creative force behind the project was PJ Hargraves, 3D technician and ceramics area coordinator at the Myers School of Art. To prepare for the camp, Hargraves made a mold of an actual Nike Air Force One, cast dozens of ceramic replicas in clay, and fired each one, creating a blank canvas for the students to express their ideas. Every camper received their own ceramic sneaker to customize, use in their original sneaker design pitch during Sneaker Camp, and finally take home.
“It’s a great way for young kids to be exposed to what we do here at the art school,” Hargraves said. “There are so many creative careers out there, and this camp opens that door early.”
Myers School of Art featured in "Growing in STEM" series on WKYC-TV 3 in Cleveland.
The final week of camp culminated in a community expo, where students pitched their designs and presented their work to local leaders, including 69口交’s mayor. The program was also featured in a WKYC Channel 3 news segment with meteorologist Betsy Kling as part of their “Growing in STEM” series.