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Welcome Skyler Sullivan, Theater & Circus Teaching Artist
In February we welcomed Skyler Sullivan to our roster of teaching artists. Skyler kicked off our newest partnership with the Spring Creek Community Corporation, after school program at PS 356, Brooklyn. This area was once called Starrett City. Skyler is leading two classes - one of 4th graders and the other 5th graders. His classes focus on teaching acting skills by way of circus and mime activities. According to Skyler, circus is a terrific way to teach children problem solving and provides a physical component enabling children to exercise their bodies, as well as their minds. Skyler says "circus is easier to grasp than many theater techniques, - it's more abstract and helps children to focus, which in turn assists them in excelling at school". Read More |
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Lowy's Frame the Future Program partners with Arts to Grow
  We are excited to announce our newest cause marketing alliance with Lowy - Masters in the Fine Art of Framing & Conservation since 1907. Larry Shar, president of Lowy said "We have big plans for Lowy's Frame The Future", "At the end of the semester, we'll mount an exhibit of the children's artwork and host an auction of their paintings at Lowy's atelier, with the proceeds going to Arts to Grow for future programs. Plus, people will be able to visit our website and see the artists of tomorrow today!" Larry Shar told us "I've spent my entire life in the New York arts community and feel it is very important to give back. By sponsoring these classes, we help ensure the future of arts education, and foster future artists." Our partnership with Lowy's will support a visual arts program this summer giving one additional class of students the chance to learn, create and expand their minds through the artistic process. We're looking forward to a long-term association with Lowy's that will make a huge impact in the lives of NYC area kids and the chance to share the very special craft of framing and conservation. Learn more about Lowy's clients and their 106 year old history |
 | | Photo Credit: Bryan Fox and Roxana Callejas |
Now in her 7th year working with Arts to Grow, theater teaching artist Patricia Runcie, has been able to help hundreds of students learn and grow through the arts. She recently shared with us stories of a few of her students this year.
Ashley began working with Arts to Grow's Musical Theater program and TA, Patricia Runcie as a 5th grader who needed work on her volume and diction, Kezia now a 6th grader began working with Patricia last year and needed to learn how to focus and concentrate during rehearsals, and a third student Sheyla, today a 8th grader has been working with Patricia since 6th grade when she was very shy on stage and showed lack luster energy when in character.
Patricia had Ashley do warm-ups and instrument exercises to increase the size and challenge of her vocal part and stage presence. Now in 8th grade and near the end of her fourth year, Ashley has gone from an ensemble member in the chorus to a lead role this year with her own song! No longer is she the shy 5th grader, we could hardly hear talking into the floor! And forget about singing by herself in front of others! Now she commands the stage and has great diction, singing with confidence and panache.
Learn how Kezia and Sheyla have blossomed
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Volunteer Spotlight: Michael Meng, Private Equity Executive assists ATG
Arts to Grow is very pleased that Michael Meng, Senior Associate, Healthcare sector Apax Partners has been working with us since November 2012 to develop our launch strategy for our Growing Innovative Youth Initiative (raising $500,000 to kick off our "5in5" Campaign to serve 5,000 children annually). Michael sits on the board of Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis & Education as well as Medicomp, a company that provides remote cardio-telemetry services. During his MBA studies at Wharton, Michael made a pact with a group of students he worked with in a program called the Nonprofit Board Leadership Fellows. Upon completion of the program, they pledged to become involved in a nonprofit organization and make a measurable impact. Michael states, "this has allowed us to hold each other accountable for continuing our efforts in the nonprofit world". Michael explains, "it has been great helping the organization (ATG) build the processes and action plan from the ground up, adapting it to today's challenging fundraising world. I find the leadership of the organization (ATG), particularly Mallory, to be very engaging and enthusiastic about the organization's mission. The chance to truly make a difference permeates throughout the organization". Read More |
