A central principle of the Foundation's mission is to encourage the ambitions and education of developing visual artists. The Foundation's Art Education program strives to fulfill this mission by providing opportunities for both emerging youth artists and working adult artists through inclusive and diverse arts education programming, offered completely free to the public.
The program enhances the artistic education of young painters and sculptors through studio classes, in concert with other educational opportunities encouraging students to pursue and develop their voice in the arts. Simultaneously, the program supports the artistic development of working painters and sculptors through teaching opportunities, professional development training, and engagement with the artistic community.
The Art Education program began in 1997 with a single community partner, four Artist-Teachers and two classes that served approximately thirty students on Saturdays. Currently, the Art Education program partners with six organizations, offers Saturday, weekday, and summer programming, employs over forty Artist-Teachers, and serves 1,000 students each week.
The Art Education program partners with six organizations in three NYC boroughs:
The Boys' Club New York City
CUE Art Foundation
Goddard Riverside Community Center - Bernie Wohl Center
Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement House
St. Nicks Alliance
University Settlement