The end of the school year is a time for reflection, marking growth, and planning for the future. As I look back on my first year with Young Audiences, I am especially thankful to all of the individuals who have made our valuable work possible. I also know that my appreciation is shared by parents, teachers, artists, and tens of thousands of children in our region.

Just what have you made possible?

You made the world shine bright for Lucas, a 5th grader at D.A. Grout Elementary, by bringing art into his school.  He said, “Art gives you a new way of looking at things…it puts things into a new light and kind of broadens them and makes it so that they shine.”

You brought creativity to life and enlivened curriculum for 4th-6th graders at Taft Elementary. With teaching artist Sarah Ferguson, students created a collaborative mural exploring animal habitats and ocean life. From brainstorming to painting, students were involved every step of the way. Everyone was “amazed to see the creatures come to life” said teacher Kaline Klaas.

You united students, families, and communities with color and joy at Family Arts Nights. At Rosa Parks Elementary I witnessed parents and children laughing, moving and learning with Rainbow Dance Company, and heard children say “art is what makes our world colorful” and “art is important because it makes people joyful.”

You transformed teaching artists and classroom teachers who inspire young people. Our Teaching Artist Studio and classroom teacher professional development ensure that kids get the most out of each and every arts experience. A teacher at Rosa Parks Elementary said, “Bringing art into the classroom has given some students a reason to come to school.”

You are the reason that over 75,000 children had exciting, empowering, and inspiring art experiences this year! You are the reason we can plan a bright future for our students. You are the reason we can bring classrooms to life through the arts. For that, we thank you.

Wishing you a fun-filled summer,

Cary Clarke
Executive Director