CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts - "Dance"
Bloomfield, Connecticut
Client: Capitol Region Education Council (CREC)
Size: 156,800 SF
Completion: 2021
Grade Level: Pre-K through 8
Capacity: 876
Designed to celebrate the arts through light and spatial experiences, the Ana Grace Academy of the Arts invites students to participate in dance, music, theater, sculpture, and painting as a foundation for their educational curriculum.
Reflecting this idea, sculptural mullions on the facade represent dancers casting shadows that move with the sun. Students can participate in the experience through the display of their artwork on the walls. Additionally, teaching and sculpture courtyards are central to the school and are extensions of the arts and are extensions of the arts and media specialties. Volumes rotated about a main axis create a dynamic space surrounding the black box theater. This multi-use venue allows teachers and students to explore several types of performance.
Moreover, the program includes seven arts magnet theme teaching rooms for Kindergarten through Grade 5. In Grades 6-8, all students participate in a minimum of one arts-themed class per term. The program currently has 12 spaces/classrooms dedicated to arts education, including music (vocals & instrumental), art (visual & digital), movement (dance & physical education), and performance (theater & creative writing).
Awards
CREW CT - The Real Estate Exchange 2022 Blue Ribbon Awards - Best In Class: Education
CREW CT - The Real Estate Exchange 2022 Blue Ribbon Awards - People's Choice
Photographer: Robert Benson