SFArtsEd is a wonderful organization dedicated to keeping art alive in young people. I got involved when I saw my best friends daughter blossom under their musical theater program, and stayed involved once I grew to know more about the artists in residence they programming they provide in our public schools. San Francisco Kids deserve to have art in their lives.
My son has been going to the SF Arts Ed summer camp for three years and is beginning his third year as one of the SF Arts Ed Players. This organization has helped him tremendously. They provide great programs that have helped him develop his acting, dancing, and singing capabilities. The work they do with the kids, their dedication, and passion is amazing. My son has learned and developed so much that it is difficult to express my gratitude.
My daughter attended the Broadway Bound over this past summer and now is in the Players program. She loved the summer program and loves the Players program - I could not believe it was my kid who was so poised up on the stage during the Carousel production last summer (2010). While she has been in other theater programs when younger, this program is so much more professional in its vision and expectations for the kids involved. While I don't expect her to go on to pursue the theater when older, the skills she learns here - poise, confidence, working as a team - will help her in any profession. And, hopefully she will develop a lifelong love of live performances.
Tell your story here and help others understand this charity All I planned to do was sign my daughter up for summer camp. An arts camp where she would learn visual arts like painting and drawing, do some dancing and singing. But what I received was a daughter who blossomed into a lover of the performing arts. SFArtsEd has nurtured my daughter for 5 years now. She performs on stage. She loves to sing and dance and the self esteem that has grown in here can not be understated. The teachers are professional performaers who have high standards and have encouraged my child to aim high, work toward her personnel best, practice and put the effort into what you love. We can not recommend this organization high!!!
I everyone understands the impact of performing arts, especially on the lives of kids who have challenges in the social standing, for whatever reason. As my niece said, once she faced her fear, got up on the stage, and sang her song, she knew there was NOTHING SHE COULDN'T DO! What else gives kids that feeling? My daughter loved this camp and has counted the days until her return for the fall session. I am impressed (coming from a theater family) by the extreme professionalism of the staff. I love that they demand such a high level of commitment from the participants. This is what life is all about.
SF ArtsEd is one of the most inspiring arts education programs I have ever seen. The consistent level of performance of very complex content by these kids is astounding. I have literally seen formally shy and reticent children beaming with pride and self-confidence after completing a performance. Having mid-career artists mentor and teach these kids opens a whole new world of exploration and possibility. Kudos!
i have had the honor of being involved with this organization since i first volunteered in 1986. the impact they have on the lives of young people is unparalleled. they create a bridge from the highest quality mid-career artists to the children of SF at every economic level through year long in-school residencies, a phenomenal musical theater troupe, summer camp and after school programs.
I first came in contact with San Francisco Arts Education Project when I was born! I have worked with Emily Keeler, my mother, and other wonderful such artists. They do amazing things for the young people of this world. I would not be the same person I am today had it not been for these great people! Not only were they a great organization but they led me to other important job opportunities. One fond memory i have with them is when I discovered for the first time I could sing and I was 9 years old, today I am involved in a professional choir here in LA and it is all thanks to them!!!!
I became aware of San Francisco Arts Education Project more than 15 years ago as a funder supporting non-profits serving Bay Area youth. I immediately valued the organizations model as a connector between the artistic community and children, as well as the depth and breadth of arts and artists the children were given access to. Later as a parent, I saw first hand the invaluable gift of art and its effects on my daughter and the other children in ArtSummer and The Players musical theatre group - the fun, the engagement, hard work, and pride for all they accomplish. SFArtsED is a rare and extraordinary organization that I'm proud to be affiliated with.
I have been working with or admiring this organization for 25+ years. It never ceases to amaze me how the children are transformed as they learn to express themselves in so many creative and expressive ways. This organization provides opportunities for kids in public schools to be exposed to the arts, to develop their creative outlets, and to gain self assurance through their performances. Without the SFArtsEd, too many children would not be introduced to an essential piece of educating the whole person.
The San Francisco Arts Education Project is committed to the highest standards of excellence in teaching young people the arts in both performing and visual arts disciplines. The caliber of the artists who work with the children is outstanding. The children receive life-long lessons that go far beyond the classroom.
As a kid, I was saved by the arts -- I found a creative voice when I didn't know I had one to share. I see that happening with kids in the programs of SFArtsED, an extraordinary organization that helps kids find ways to express themselves they may have never discovered otherwise. Whether working in the classroom with the Artists In Residence or rehearsing for a production with The Players, kids are fully engaged. They have fun, work together, ignite their imaginations and discover new things about themselves and their vitally important place in the world.
SFArtsED is over forty years old. Since its inception it has sought identify and employ performing and visual artists who both pursue their individual work and have uncommon gifts as teachers and mentors. The students in this program produce works that are vital and often ambitious. Their experience in classes and performances often leads them to seek further opportunities and education in the arts.
My son was first exposed to one of SFArtsED artists-in-residence at a San Francisco public school. He later became part of their youth theatre group. The organization provides incredible opportunities for artists and kids to interact and for kids to experience all aspects of the arts. The summer program is both affordable and of top quality.
SF Arts Ed is the highest quality arts provider in the schools that I have ever seen in my 23 years in education. I have been a friend and advocate of this organization since I was a teacher. Thanks to this program, our students experience dance, ceramics, visual arts, musical theater, and more! It's the best, and I don't know where we'd be without them.