Art Share programs offer innovative ways for young people to build self-esteem, develop critical skills and advance educationally.

“Art Share gives me the chance to do things I would never get to do otherwise in my whole lifetime. It’s a place youcome and relax and express yourself. It’s a second home. Plus, my grades went from C’s to A’s.” Brayann, 16

Our Programs
BLAST: Building Language and Art Skills Together
BLAST is an innovative program designed to improve literacy levels and address the emotional needs of high risk adolescents by fusing language instruction with art classes. Art Share’s instructors apply a specific curriculum that inspires students to improve their vocabulary, grammatical, and quantitative skills while engaging in art projects that encourage self-expression and creativity. Talented art professionals, former teachers and college students collaborate and conduct all of the classes. Some of the exciting results of this program are best demonstrated at the student exhibition in the Art Share gallery at the end of every semester. It is clear that when a literacy curriculum is woven with an inspiring and motivating art curriculum the results are remarkable.
BLAST operates on a six month cycle. At the close of each cycle a Culmination Celebration is held on site to showcase our students’ achievement. Artistic invitations that include all sponsor logos that are designed by students are printed and mailed to over 2500 parents, teachers, community members, program sponsors and administrative staff. Our students who have attained goals such as perfect attendance or improved skills are rewarded with certificates and special event activities such as tickets to plays or museums. Additionally, parent volunteers, community supporters and sponsors are thanked publicly to acknowledge the importance of their contributions. This public celebration is an effective tool to encourage students to continue attending and improving theirs skills both artistically and academically.

BLAST – BEYOND THE BELL
Our on-campus extension of the BLAST program currently offered at two Empowerment Zone schools, Montara Avenue Elementary School, and the 32nd Street Magnet School.
The BLAST program has four primary goals:

1.IMPROVE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Students will progress toward grade-level proficiency in reading and writing;
Students will be encouraged and supported in planning long-range educational goals; Students’ attendance rates dramatically improve.

2.IMPROVE ABILITY IN THE ARTS
Students will improve skills in various art mediums including painting, drawing, theater, filmmaking, photography, mosaics and creative writing.

3.IMPROVE SELF-CONCEPT
Students commonly demonstrate an across the board growth in confidence, self-awareness, and overcome the endemic sense of being second-tier citizens. The value of the individual and a culture of independence is always present and of paramount importance in our classrooms, conveying to our students their right to pursue their dreams.

4.DECREASE RISK LEVELS OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOR
Students will increase engagement as positive members of community by developing leadership skills, self-esteem and pride in cultural origin. Students will acquire life skills that promote self-sufficiency.

“Art Share changed my life. It opened me up to a world I didn’t know. I did my first painting here and now painting is my passion. And it helped me to be more open with people.” Angie, 17

FACT: Families and Communities Together
FACT is a program that works with entire families to impact parents and their children. Focused in a specific geographic location in East Los Angeles, the FACT program is an intensive six-month program that provides individualized services to every member of the family. Art Share transports families to the facility once a week for parenting classes, anger management, life skill classes and childcare. Mental health professionals provide in-home counseling to families once a week to complement the on-site group sessions. The FACT Program empowers and supports families struggling to find solutions to problems common with immigrant parenting. The FACT Program continues to generate remarkable results and is currently being studied as a model for duplication nationwide.

Before the Fact Program:“It was difficult to have a positive outlook on my life. I was on house arrest, was not doing good in school and did not cope well with my ‘dead-end’ feelings. Although this program was set as a requirement by the judge, I never knew it would be such a different ‘parenting/family’ course. My mother even said she had taken many parenting classes but she never experienced or seen such a program as Art Share. At first I was skeptical and did not feel this program was suited for me and my parents. Although I felt this way I still decided to participate. “
After the Fact Program: “I graduated high school and I got off of probation and house arrest. My parents communicate more often and are more open to each other’s feelings. My self-esteem has greatly escalated and there is now a door where the ‘dead-end’ used to be. I know this program works and it is safe to say we have all experienced positive change in our lives because of this program.” Anonymous

The Community Beautification Program
The Community Beautification Program bridges communities by creating ambitious large scale art projects designed and installed by high risk young people from different schools, neighborhoods, and ethnic backgrounds under the guidance of professional artists. Currently, Art Share participants are working on installations in Elysian Park, a mosaic wall for the Vista Hermosa Natural Park and a mural for the Department of Public Social Services. This program not only hones our students’ artistic development, but they cultivate the sense of ownership of their community.

“Art Share has taught me that I should never give up, that I should never lie about who I am, that I should never judge people. There is always another side that we don’t know. I began to write here and now I have something I can do for the rest of my life.” Bismark, 17

All Art Share classes, whether increasing language or vocabulary skills, teaching cultural diversity through performance and visual art or providing gang intervention services, are designed to increase and build communication and self-esteem through artistic expression.

FOR INFORMATION ON THE 18 CLASSES OFFERED ON SITE AT ART SHARE, please click here: CLASS SCHEDULES

Art Share Executive Director Tracy Kelly being recognized with an award from LA City Councilwoman Jan Perry for 8 years of innovative work in the community.