Misty Yarnall is a writer and teaching artist. She actively teaches creative writing and theatre workshops through libraries, homeschool co-ops, and nonprofit organizations. She is passionate about creating brave spaces for people of all ages to share their stories. A few examples of workshops she has led in the past are included below. World Building 101: Do you love reading adventure books with fantastical settings and magical elements? Have you ever wanted to write a story set in a place you’ve never been? In this workshop, students will master the layout of the land within their stories, no matter what genre. Students will take inspiration from real plants, animals, and cultures, and apply what they've learned to their made-up worlds. Writing for the Screen: Have you ever wondered how your favorite TV show got to the screen? Want to try your hand at writing a script made for TV? In this workshop, you will learn to write your own screenplay and collaborate on a pilot episode for a TV series. We will generate ideas, learn to use the three-act structure, and operate as if we were in our own TV writers' room. Playing with Plays: Through movement-based improv games and collaborative writing prompts, students will better understand how plays go from the page to the stage. We will learn about character motivations, use of props, scene structure, and understanding of performance. Students will end the workshop with a new play to showcase. Guided Journaling: Have you always wanted to start journaling, but aren’t sure where to start? Have you been journaling for a while and want a community to write and share with? In this workshop, participants will complete writing prompts geared towards eliminating the daunting, listy idea of journaling and replace it with interactive, fun activities for all ages and backgrounds. No prior journaling or writing experience necessary!

MUSIC OF THE EARTH - A Celebration of World Cultures and Our Planet! Mysterious, exciting, information-packed! World cultures come alive through the powerful vibrations of exotic instruments from around the globe. Unique, interactive assemblies with giant drums, crystal singing bowls, Australian didgeridoos, Chinese gongs, Native American flutes and chants, Indian snake charmer, Aztec wind whistle, Scottish Bagpipes, and much more! Special programs available for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Winter Solstice, Earth Week (April) and St. Patrick’s Day.

I was born in La Paz, Bolivia, and immigrated to New York as a child, where my passion for art and education developed. I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from C.W. Post/Long Island University in 1998 and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Phoenix in 2006. Volunteering on the Kumeyaay Indian Reservation in California was a pivotal experience that fueled my commitment to using art for educational and empowering purposes. In 1998, I moved to Phoenix and began teaching art in local schools while working on custom metalwork and sculpture. I founded after-school art programs and developed partnerships with local art organizations, shaping my philosophy as an artist-educator. A sabbatical at Ironco Enterprise allowed me to expand my skills in fabrication, CAD design, and project management. By 2009, I dedicated myself to being a professional artist, co-founding the Calle 16 Mural Project, which focuses on revitalization through muralism and storytelling. My work reflects my immigrant experience and Bolivian heritage. Now based in Ithaca, NY, I continue to create art that fosters connections and inspires community engagement. “¿Rendirme yo? ¡Que se rinda su abuela, carajo!” — Colonel Eduardo Abaroa Hidalgo

Discover the natural beauty of the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Up Yonda Farm offers 73 acres with a spectacular view overlooking Lake George. Natural history exhibits featuring a diorama with native wildlife are housed in the museum. Watch for wildlife outdoors as you hike along one of our woodland trails. There are perennial gardens, including a butterfly garden from June through August. Programs for schools and groups are available by reservation. Our science and nature programs can be a great supplement to the classroom education received by your students. The programs we offer compliment New York State core curricula, are NGSS aligned, and give the students an opportunity to learn in a very hands-on environment. Most of our programs are offered rain or shine and can be presented indoors and outdoors. Program topics include Adirondack Birds, Animal Adaptations, Changing Trees, Forest Food Webs, Maple Sugaring, Monarch Butterflies, Night Sky, Orienteering, Owl Pellet Dissection, Pollinators, Pond Life, Snowshoeing, Watersheds and Woodworking. Full program descriptions, pricing info, and program request forms are available on our website at https://upyondafarm.com/programs/

The Children's Museum at Saratoga is dedicated to creating an interactive community that inspires curiosity, sparks imagination, and nurtures discovery. We are committed to serving as a resource for Capital Region school districts and to ensuring that programs and services are accessible to all children. The Museum offers outreach and field trip programs for students from preschool to 6th grade. Each program is designed to meet the needs of each classroom with plenty of opportunities for unique hands-on experiences. Programs correlate to Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. They are wonderful additions to classroom curriculum as either an introduction to a lesson or to enhance current classroom units. The Museum's priority is to make educational programs accessible to all students. We ask that you please share any special needs your students may have ahead of time so that we can accommodate their needs. For more information about the Museum's program catalog and prices, please check out https://cmssny.org/education/.

Fort Field Trip Bring history to life for your students with an unforgettable field trip to Fort William Henry Museum in Lake George, NY. Your students will step back in time as they explore a real 18th-century military fort and learn about the pivotal role it played during the French and Indian War. Our expert fort interpreters, dressed in period uniforms, will engage students with captivating stories and interactive demonstrations, making history both exciting and accessible. Through immersive storytelling, they’ll highlight how the events at Fort William Henry contributed to the eventual defeat of the French in North America, and how this conflict set the stage for the American Revolution. What to expect during your visit: Interactive Learning: Fort interpreters will link the events of the French and Indian War to the larger context of American history, showing students how the outcomes of this conflict directly influenced the colonies’ path toward independence. Live Demonstrations: Students will witness the dramatic loading and firing of a musket and cannon, giving them a powerful glimpse into 18th-century warfare and the skills soldiers needed to survive. Explore the Museum and Exhibits: After the demonstrations, students can wander through the fort’s museum buildings, where they’ll encounter exhibits filled with fascinating artifacts that tell the story of life at this remote outpost. From soldiers’ daily routines to the strategies that shaped battles, these displays offer a comprehensive look at military life on the frontier. Learn About Native American History: In addition to military history, students will explore the rich cultural heritage of the Native American peoples who lived in the region long before European settlement. Exhibits featuring artifacts, tools, and artwork provide a deeper understanding of their way of life and their role in the conflict between European powers. Scavenger Hunt: To enhance their experience, students will receive a scavenger hunt sheet that encourages them to find key information and artifacts throughout the fort. This fun and educational activity ensures that they stay engaged and curious as they explore. This field trip to Fort William Henry provides a unique opportunity for students to experience history firsthand, fostering a deeper understanding of the events that shaped the early American colonies. Combining live demonstrations, immersive storytelling, and hands-on learning, this trip is designed to inspire curiosity and a love of history in students of all ages. Reserve Your Trip Now!

Since 2008 we offer a variety of services and school productions. We specialize in multicultural and multilingual products and services for schools K-12.

In Matt's programs he talks about the process of writing and illustrating picture books. Each talk focuses on one of his books and includes an interactive reading of the book, sharing background stories and talking a little bit about what authors and illustrators do, and an interactive demonstration of creating the illustrations. Matt will do either 3 auditorium sized or 4 library sized (smaller group) presentations per day. Four library presentations is highly preferred so Matt can better interact with students. Matt can also do an additional smaller group Q&A talk with select students (usually older kids who are interested in writing or drawing), such as a meeting over lunch or an "afternoon tea." Matt has a variety of educational and entertaining presentations suitable for students K through 6th grade, as well as presentations for parent's nights or literacy nights for an additional fee.

Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art is New York’s oldest museum. Its collections document the Hudson Valley as a crossroads of culture, influencing the art and history of the region, the state, and the nation. With more than 35,000 objects in the collection and one million documents in the research library, it is an important resource for the region, fostering a sense of place and the part the Hudson Valley played in the American story. Permanent exhibitions include one of the largest collections of Hudson River School paintings and a history of Ancient Egypt, as well as temporary rotating exhibitions. The Albany Institute’s education programs serve 10,000 students, teachers, adults, and families every year. The museum education department’s mission is to connect our community to our collections and exhibitions through lifelong learning opportunities that serve all ages. Education programs are organized into three areas of learning: schools and educators programs, intergenerational programs, adult programs, and public programs. School Groups: The Albany Institute offers themed tours of our permanent and temporary exhibitions for groups of all ages. We currently offer programs on Ancient Egypt (grades 3–8), the Hudson River School (grades 2–12), and the American Revolution (grades 3–5). We can lead tours at the museum, at your space, or online. The education team at AIHA is happy to customize tours to meet the needs of your curricula, students, and goals. Please contact Janine Moon at moonj@albanyinstitute.org to schedule your tour. Funding might be available for your tour. Educators: The Albany Institute offers professional development workshops for educators, with topics customizable to your needs. We can host workshops at the museum, in your space, or online. Please find a selection of virtual resources online here: albanyinstitute.org/learn/programs/teacher-resources Groups: Themed guided tours are available for adult groups (up to 20 participants) at the museum, your space, or online.

Richard Hight is a nationally recognized artist/speaker who uses the fine arts to help his audiences create strategies for change by turning good ideas into great results. He is on a mission to help students see the possibility of their potential and create new opportunities. Addressing thousands every year, Richard’s Art of Inspiration influences his audiences to use their imagination to discover their originality and celebrate their differences. As a masterful storyteller with a down to earth, Oklahoma warmth, and humorous style, he always connects with his audiences. Richard’s presentation begins with the dramatic and exciting creation of a stunning illustration on a six-foot canvas (each school can suggest what image will best serve their students – historical figures, patriotic images, school mascots and others, etc.). Students and teachers are WOW’ed by the combination of powerful illustration, spoken word, and music that transpires in a matter of moments. The artwork Richard creates then provides the foundation for his keynote presentation and discussion.. He can customize a portion of your event to include Anti-Bullying, Character Building or reinforce the theme of your school.

I teach fun, hands-on painting workshops with a specialty in watercolor, gouache, and murals!

Our dynamic programming includes three unforgettable, interactive assemblies as well as a lifesaving skills workshop series M.A.C.H.O. Assembly – My Actions Can Help Others A high-energy kindness and empathy assembly that inspires students to be everyday superheroes by showing compassion and helping others. Strength of Body, Strength of Mind A motivational fitness and wellness assembly that promotes strength of body and mind through real-life story of former Mr. America, Dan Lurie told by his grandson. Water Safety Education Assembly An engaging and informative program that teaches kids how to stay safe in oceans, pools, and lakes, featuring the popular “Dress Like a Lifeguard” relay. Additionally, we offer our hands on Life-Saving Skills Workshop Series for grades 3 and up, where students learn: Hands-Only CPR (Adult, Child, and Infant) Heimlich Maneuver (Adult, Child, and Infant) Water Safety or Allergy Awareness