Dear Friends of Arts for Learning Northwest,

As I look back on this past year, I am filled with gratitude for the ALNW community...our teaching artists, educators, arts partners, donors, families, and advocates who believe in the transformative power of creativity. There is no doubt that 2025 has been a tumultuous and deeply transformative year for our organization. And yet, through every challenge, this community has shown resilience, heart, and unwavering commitment to inspiring and engaging with youth through the arts.

Last spring and early summer brought extraordinary financial uncertainty. Cashflow disruptions, rapidly shifting funding landscapes, and delayed payments created a moment of real jeopardy for the organization. The Board was forced to make difficult decisions, including freezing expenditures and reducing staff. These were painful steps, but they were necessary to stabilize ALNW and protect our mission.

Even during this period of disruption, ALNW continued to serve students across our region. This last calendar year, nearly 46,000 students in 78 schools engaged in dynamic, culturally rich creative learning experiences. More than $99,000 in Fun for the Arts funds were utilized by schools and communities—supporting murals, residencies, workshops, and performances that brought joy, connection, and meaning to students.

These connections matter. Today’s students face unprecedented levels of disengagement. Chronic absenteeism, social isolation, learning gaps, and the long tail of the pandemic are deeply affecting classrooms across Oregon and SW Washington. Research consistently shows what you already know from your own experiences: when students participate in arts-integrated learning, attendance improves, engagement rises, and young people feel seen.

This is why our mission is not only relevant, it is essential.
We believe in the healing power of the arts.
We believe every child deserves access to creative experiences that help them learn, imagine, and belong.

As we turn toward the year ahead, I am hopeful. ALNW is entering a new chapter. In January, we expect to welcome a new Executive Director who will lead the next phase of rebuilding, partnership strengthening, and mission expansion. We are also excited about the continued growth of the Right Brain Initiative and are actively seeking funding to bring the Arts, Care, and Connection curriculum to more schools—especially those experiencing the greatest challenges with attendance and student engagement.

This community has always been the heart of ALNW. Thank you for standing with us, for believing in the potential of young people, and for helping us build a more creative, connected, and hopeful future.

With gratitude,
Alexia Wellons
President, Board of Directors
Arts for Learning Northwest