Within Reach
A quarterly update on what's happening at ARTreach.
From the Desk of our Executive Director
Dear Friends,
Spring has officially sprung, and I can't believe it's already April!
In the first three months of 2024, we have already touched numerous lives through the arts, and I can't thank you enough for supporting our mission. Whether you are a volunteer, board member, or one of our talented artists, you significantly impact the lives of individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
As we embark on a season of growth and renewal, I invite you to join us as we continue to deliver meaningful opportunities that transform, heal, and empower others.
Here's to spring brimming with endless possibilities, creativity, and joy!
-Nicole
Welcome Lindsay Ripley
Meet the newest member of the ARTreach Board of Directors, Lindsay Ripley!
Throughout her career, Lindsay has dedicated her time and talents to connecting people to the arts, engaging with the community, and contributing to art education in the public school setting and beyond. As the Visual Arts Coordinator for Spring Branch ISD and an adjunct professor at the University of Houston, Lindsay is truly an artist at heart.
She started her career in the classroom, sharing the arts with students from kindergarten through high school.
She loves to paint and has exhibited her work all over the Lone Star State. Dedicated to her art practice, she spends many weekends and evenings creating art in her home studio. We look forward to having Lindsay as a member of the ARTreach board and her many contributions!
Spotlight on Giving
Late last year, the Fort Bend Junior Service League awarded ARTreach with a generous $5,000 grant from the proceeds of the SugarPlum Market. The funds will play a pivotal role in bolstering our Books Alive! Literacy Through the Arts Program across Title One Schools in Fort Bend County.
The grant will allow us to provide essential resources, materials, and personnel to deliver high-quality programming to students, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. Through this collaboration, we are empowering young minds and building a more vibrant community where every child has the opportunity to learn and grow through the arts.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Fort Bend Junior Service League for its support of our mission and look forward to embarking on exciting journeys to ignite young readers' imaginations!
Transforming Lives
Bayou City Arts Festival
ARTreach once again brought joy and creativity to the Bayou City Arts Festival as our booth buzzed with laughter and artistic energy.
The highlight of the day was an interactive pinwheeling-making activity. Led by our talented teaching artist, Danny Russo, children eagerly gathered around to construct their own colorful pinwheels and watched in amazement as the breeze propelled their creations.
The fun didn't stop there! Festival-goers who stopped by the ARTreach booth also had the opportunity to unleash their imagination by decorating large popsicle sticks. After the children decorated the popsicle sticks, they were used to create on large, collaborative work of art.
None of this would be possible without the support of our incredible ARTreach artists and volunteers who dedicated their time during the Bayou City Arts Festival. Their tireless efforts behind the scenes each year ensure that every aspect of our booth and art activities runs smoothly, creating a welcoming space where creativity thrives.
Creative Dreams Outreach Center
In the first quarter of 2024, ARTreach began delivering a weekly art workshop at the Creative Dreams Outreach Center. The center provides financially disadvantaged youth ages 13-18 with academic tutoring, physical activity, interaction with caring adults, and life skill classes. We look forward to deepening our partnership with the center and touching more lives!
Teach. Volunteer. Serve.
We are always seeking people with a heart for the arts and community service to work together in places like community centers, foster care facilities, juvenile detention facilities, and schools for people with special needs.
Donate
Your financial donations are critical to our success as they support the connection and delivery of arts programs to underserved populations. We appreciate any assistance, large or small, and thank you for your contribution!
Stay connected.
Follow us on social media to learn about our activities and upcoming events.
Artist Spotlight
A special thank you to all of the artists who give their time and talents to ARTreach and those we serve! We couldn't run our programs without you.
This quarter, we would like to recognize three of our gifted artists, including:
You can read more about them, and all of our artists on the ARTreach website!
