Centrum (arts organization) facts for kids

Centrum is a special place located in Fort Worden State Park, near Port Townsend, Washington. It's an organization that teaches and shares many different kinds of art. Centrum offers workshops where people can learn new skills and performances where artists show their talents.

How Centrum Started

Centrum began thanks to a team effort. The Washington State Arts Commission, which supports art, worked with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, which helps with education, and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, which manages parks. They all joined forces to create Centrum. The very first leader of Centrum was Joseph F. Wheeler. Some of the early people who helped create the programs were Bill Ransom and Sam Hamill.

What You Can Do at Centrum

Centrum offers programs for people of all ages, from kids to adults. They also have special learning experiences just for young people, where they can even stay overnight. About one out of every three people who join Centrum's workshops are 18 years old or younger.

Centrum hosts many exciting events and festivals throughout the year. Some popular ones include:

• The Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, which celebrates traditional music.
• Jazz Port Townsend, a festival dedicated to jazz music.
• The Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival, focusing on blues music played without electric instruments.
• The Port Townsend Writers' Conference, where people can learn and improve their writing skills.