Support Art Education for Kids

A Letter from ACS Executive Director, Kinsey Robb

Over the summer of 2021, Art Center Sarasota successfully reopened its doors to our annually held Summer Art Camp. Following what has been a difficult year of shutdowns and programmatic uncertainties, seeing the joy on the faces of new and returning campers as they entered the building each morning was a highlight for us all. For me, as the incoming Executive Director it illustrated the importance of community, creativity, and fostering the imagination of young minds through artmaking. I am incredibly thankful to report that Art Center Sarasota was able to safely and successfully complete an entire eight-weeks of camp without a single positive COVID case.

Behind the scenes, as early as March, our staff and board were consistently meeting to develop a camp schedule that would be safe, fun, and inviting for kids aged 6-15. We reduced the number of campers, adhered to CDC protocols, and invested in PPE materials to reduce the risk of transmission. Our commitment to providing a safe and “kid-friendly” environment made Art Center Sarasota’s Summer Camp a model for others to follow. AND the kids had fun! From papier-mâché painted and decorated slices of cake, to superhero capes, to indigo-dyed textiles, ACS campers participated in various artmaking mediums and practices. What would have typically been an end of the week art show was instead reimagined as a virtual show on Facebook, complete with video interviews offering each camper an opportunity to speak about their experience and show off their work - this was a huge hit and played up the performative aspect of being an artist!

As we approach the year ahead, I ask you to consider supporting Art Center Sarasota with a donation. Contributions go directly into supporting our youth education programs, including our Summer Camps. As we continue to learn and grow, we strive to expand and challenge ourselves to create yet another summer schedule filled with exciting and inspiring art projects for your children. Your philanthropy helps to support our art teachers, teaching assistants, and youth scholarship assistance for those less privileged. No matter how great or small, your contributions are impactful and deeply appreciated!