This year both the after school and summer programs were enhanced with an arts curriculum, thanks to the generous support from The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. Studies have shown art stimulates intellectual growth, promotes improved social interaction and provides an emotional outlet for children. While our main focus is on the visual and performing arts, we want our children to become familiar with many art forms. We study art from the perspective of many disciplines including history, culture and science. Watching the children grow passionate about the art they experience confirms our belief that it is a vital component of their education. Under the leadership of program director and artist in residence, Bridget Burke Weiss, the new arts center constructed in the church's undercroft has become the hub of creativity for CASP and 4² students. Here, the children learn about how to care for art supplies, cleanup after completing work on a project for the day, how to mix primary color paints to create a full spectrum of colors, the basics of weaving and working with clay.

A thoughtful and generous donation from Dillard Kirby provided the opportunity for three girls, Alexia Hewitt, Chelsee Thompson and Jessie Buschmeier, to train for two weeks with Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Junior Corp at Drew University's Dorothy Young Arts Center. The girls studied Macbeth and prepared for roles in an abridged version of the play. 11 year old Alexia played dual roles of 3rd Apparition and a witch. Alexia bubbles with excitement as she describes her experience. "I like Shakespeare. It was great being in Macbeth because I'm always full of drama and I need to let it out somehow. Macbeth was a great way to express my drama!"

Bridget reflects on the opportunity given the girls: "This was an experience that will not soon be forgotten. The girls had a great sense of accomplishment. Theatre is a powerful tool for young adults which helps them socialize, problem solve, create and cooperate with each other in a realm that is different from their everyday lives… I know this experience has had a lasting impact on them."

As a result of their participation in the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Junior Corp., Alexia and Chelsee were invited to usher at a professional performance of Macbeth at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey at the F.M. Kirby Theatre on the campus of Drew University.