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  Arts to Grow NewsletterMarch 2010 - June 2010

Issue 15
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Dear Friends of Arts to Grow,

Kid in ActionAs the school year closes we celebrate five years igniting children's passion to learn. Arts to Grow's 25 professional teaching artists have made a REAL impact in the lives of over 1200 youth ages 5-22 in 58 programs attending 14 different schools and community organizations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Hoboken and Newark, NJ.  We've done all this with the invaluable help of over 500 skilled volunteers.
 
This is just the beginning.  Over 50 schools and community organizations are on our waiting list and our goal is to double the number of kids we serve in the next 3 years.  Read below about our latest work and Join US
In This Issue
:: National Recognition for our Model Volunteer
:: First Networking Event held
:: New Programs Thrive
:: Experience our New Promotional Video
:: New Advisory Board Formed
:: Join us in Expanding Partnerships That Give Back!
:: Not Yo' Mama's Craft Fair
:: Donate to Arts to Grow!
National Recognition for our Model Volunteer Engagement Program
Philanthroy
The June 17, 2010 issue of Chronicle of Philanthropy features an article by Arts to Grow Executive Director, Mallory King that highlights benefits and management considerations for skills-based volunteerism in non-profit organizations. As a recognized expert on the success of this model, Mallory also emphasizes the important mutual advantages to both professionals and organizations, especially during the current economic recession.
 
First Networking Event held
April 12


Advisory Board
On April 12th, over 50 leaders and supporters from the business, education and arts communities joined together for an evening of networking and cocktails. Held at the home/gallery of Fine Art Dealer and Advisor Carole Pinto, attendees participated in stimulating discussion focused on the connection between developing a passion for learning, the importance of arts education and preparing youth to become future leaders. Distinguished guest speakers included Philip Berry, Philip Berry Associates LLC and Russell Granet, Founder and Director of Arts Education Resource. Arts to Grow remains committed to sponsoring additional events that explore these issues and encourage innovative thought, solutions and partnerships.
 
New Programs Thrive, Continuing Programs Benefit Everyone

Cypress Hills
Our spring programs highlighted the significant impact our model of customized, in-depth, sequential arts learning makes in the lives of young people.

In our year-long partnership with the Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation's after school program at IS 171 in Brooklyn, teaching artist Patricia Runcie directed middle school students in creating Seasons of Love, an original full scale production inspired by the musical Rent but based on issues in their own community.  On Tuesday, May 25th  our students gave an emotionally charged performance to a standing ovation of peers, parents and community leaders.  Bravo!   At our year-long partnership with City Access New York (CANY), teaching artist, Caren Skibell led young adult participants through a process that enabled them to present their original plays and improvs to an enthusiastic audience at the Sephardic Nursing Home in Brooklyn. Our intensive 30 session music program led by teaching artist, Meredith Glidden this spring at the LearningSpring School for all enrolled students ages 5-12 concluded with two days of exciting performances featuring songs about community and change.  And our two mini programs for kids ages 7 -11 led by teaching artist, Charlotte Gapp at the Queens Public Library    (Ozone Park and Elmhurst branches) focused on creating and understanding Collage and Self Portraits.
 
Arts to Grow: Five Years and Blooming!

Gala 2010 Thumbnail
More than 125 people celebrated Arts to Grow's success and future at our "Five Years and Blooming" fundraising event at the CUE Art Foundation in Chelsea on May 4th, 2010.  MC'd for the second year by WCBS-TV (Channel 2) news anchor Kristine Johnson, the event raised $16,000 that will directly support our programs.  Speakers included educator Julianne Wurm, Advance Benefit Advisors President, Robert Petcove and Mallory King. Following a screening of the new Arts to Grow video, comedian Seth Herzog entertained. Attendees were treated to a surprise performance by the ICONic Boyz dance group led by instructor Geo Hubela, enjoyed music performed by Emily Cavanagh and socialized to the sounds of DJ Irs.  Advanced Benefit Advisors received the Velvet Cushion award as the evening's top corporate sponsor. A special thank you goes to all our donors and sponsors. 44 companies and individuals contributed goods and services, including 27 unique Silent Auction items.  A dedicated 34 member volunteer committee made this event possible.  Click here to view a slide show of the event.
Experience our New Promotional Video:
Arts to Grow: Changing Children's Lives, Inspiring Them to Love Learning

ATG Youtube Video 2

Our wonderful new promotional film is finally complete! The video features footage from our five year partnership with the Elysian Charter School along with interviews with students, teaching artists, program partners and leading arts educator, Eric Booth.  Many thanks go to producer Lou Zaccheo for his generous donation of time and expertise on this project. View the video here.
 
New Advisory Board Formed

Pillip Barry Gala 2010
Arts to Grow is pleased to announce that Philip Berry has been appointed founding member of our new Advisory Board. Philip brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective drawn from his professional and leadership roles in the business and educational sectors. He is currently President of Philip Berry Associates, LLC  and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees for City University of New York. In addition to his valuable guidance with our April networking event, Philip continues to advise Arts to Grow on board development and organizational growth. The Advisory Board will expand to include additional experienced PR, media relations, fundraising and personnel leaders who will provide consulting services to promote and foster the on-going success of Arts to Grow.
 
Join us in Expanding Partnerships That Give Back!

ABA Brochure
We are excited to join the Magic Johnson Foundation as an early stage partner in Advanced Benefit Advisors (ABA) exciting new corporate sponsorship concept the Insurance Partnership for Giving Program (IPFG).  ABA is a Philadelphia-based employee benefits firm that has created the IPFG as an inventive method of contributing to non-profits while encouraging their clients to do the same. For each new client that Arts to Grow helps ABA acquire, ABA will donate a percentage of their earnings to our programs.  

The success of IPFG is based on leveraging relationships for good business and high impact social investment. If you are a leader or have access to leaders in companies with over 100 employees you may be in a position to make IPFG successful for Arts to Grow.  To learn more contact Mallory King at [email protected] and watch our website for more details soon. 
 
Not Yo' Mama's Craft Fair Supports Arts to Grow

Not Yo Mama's Craft FairArts to Grow was honored to be selected nonprofit partner of the second annual Not Yo Mama's Craft Fair, held on Saturday, April 17 at Parlay Studios in downtown Jersey City.  The fair donated $1,500 from door and raffle sales to Arts to Grow.
Not Yo' Mama's Craft Fair is the brain child of Sophie Penkrat, Megan Gulick and Leah Siegel-Picus.  Approximately 1,000 locals attended a showcase of over 60 vendors who sold an array of unique and non-traditional wares--from funky jewelry to fabulous hand bags, hot t-shirts to pretty paper goods, and so much more!  Huge thanks to Not Yo Mama's Affairs for your support and partnership.  We look forward to future endeavors!
Donate to Arts to Grow!

Click to Pledge
During this season of celebrations, consider a gift that gives back. Arts to Grow would be honored to receive your gift in honor of a special someone's birthday, wedding, anniversary or graduation.  Honorees will receive an extra special thank you from Arts to Grow as well as a designated listing on our website.  
Click here to donate now.
 
Arts To Grow Invite

Mallory King

Founder / Executive Director

Arts to Grow, Inc.

(201) 209-9886

[email protected]

www.artstogrow.org


Photo Credits:  Mark Spencer, Bill Stanton, Lou Zaccheo, Adriana Austin
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