Yuma Union High School District’s Mastery of the Arts Program (MAP) will host an open house gala on Wednesday, November 29 from 5-7 p.m. at Snider Hall on the Yuma High School campus. The event is free of charge and open to the public.

"The Mastery of the Arts Program offers seven different arts extension classes, from musical theater to film making and many things in between,” MAP certified teacher Lauren Spurlock said. “I'm thrilled we have a chance to share who we are and what we're up to at our open house. Each class has exciting work to showcase, and if you haven't visited Snider Hall recently, you'll be amazed by the remodel that has taken place - it's beautiful. This event is for friends, families, colleagues, and anyone in our community that is interested in what YUHSD is doing to broaden arts education in our town."

During the event, guests will be able to tour the facility, meet MAP students and staff, and even experience some of the courses, which include musical theater production, “garage band” music sessions, and choreographed dance.

"I never knew I had the potential to be a Master of the Arts until I joined this program,” said MAP student Isrrael Padilla, a junior. “It's all about discovering our own creativity and expression and going beyond the bounds of our imagination. I can't wait for the open house and hope you can join us & see our imagination come to life."

MAP, which is in its inaugural year and is the first of its kind in Yuma, is designed for all YUHSD students who have a purposeful interest within the arts. It is open to students in ninth through 12th grade. The intent is to work collaboratively with each of the YUHSD high schools’ fine arts programs and community artists to grow, enhance and refine a student’s skill sets within the art disciplines. All program courses are designed to be an extension of a student’s fine arts high school experience.

"After a year and a half in the making for this program, we are so excited and ready to show off its inaugural students and new look to the community,” MAP Executive Director Virginia Legros said.