ArtBEAT! 2026 was a vibrant success! On March 14, 4-H youth in grades 3-5 from across the state gathered at Upham Woods for a day of exploration, creativity, and service that also introduced them to Expressive Arts and Camp/Overnight experiences.
Guided by the themes of being Safe, Brave, and Kind, 45 participants, 12 youth counselors and over 20 adult volunteers turned the event into an unforgettable experience.
A “Math-tastic” Celebration
Since ArtBEAT! landed on March 14 (3.14), “Pi” ruled the day! Our creative track leaders used the mathematical constant to spark inspiration:
- Creative Movement: UW–Madison faculty member Chell Parkins collaborated with youth leaders to explore the flow of circles and motion.
- STEM: Participants used the digits of Pi to design unique “numerical” skylines and crafted custom-scented candles.
- Nature Arts: Before the snow moved in, youth headed outdoors to create intricate mandalas using natural elements.
Music, Movement, and Mindsets
The energy continued in our Music track, where youth mastered the song Golden by K-pop’s Demon Hunters using Boomwhackers. Meanwhile, the Juggling track proved to be a fan favorite, perfectly balancing physical challenge with pure fun.
In the Visual Arts track, creativity met compassion. Participants crafted two collage cards — keeping one and donating the other to the Farmer Angel Network, proving that art is a powerful tool for service.
Youth-Led Leadership
The heart of ArtBEAT! is its youth-adult partnerships. Counselor leads Grace Pett, Ruby Taggert and Mady Fraser took the reins in program design and evaluation. This collaboration was visible in every track, especially as youth counselors worked alongside Volunteer Camp Director Ashlynn Numrich and Health Coordinator Brianna Stanke to ensure a high level of support for every camper.
The Results Are In!
The feedback from our participants speaks for itself. On a 5-point scale, campers gave ArtBEAT! 2026 an impressive average score of 4.82.
Beyond the numbers, the true success was in the personal growth. When asked how they practiced being “Brave,” one youth shared, “I danced even though I was embarrassed,” while others noted, “I talked to people I didn’t know” and “I faced my fears.”
What’s Next?
ArtBeat! 2026 may be over, but the creative sparks are still flying. Be sure to check out upcoming STEAM GAZE events in Marathon and Milwaukee Counties. We are already looking forward to 2027—hopefully with a full weekend of clear skies and even more art!
