April 11, 2025
This Spring, we’re reflecting on a season filled with creativity and connection. From celebrating the voices of young artists to witnessing the ways art brings people together, these last couple of months have been a wonderful display of artistic expression. Your support fuels the work we do, ensuring more young people have the opportunity to create, share their stories, and experience the joy of making art.
Community Canvas in Clairemont
Public art should reflect the people who live alongside it, capturing the essence of their shared experiences. That’s why, when we set out to create a new mural on Morena Blvd., we started by listening to the community. In partnership with SDG&E, our mural team—led by ArtReach Mural Program Facilities Coordinator Ian Stiles-Mikl—gathered input from Clairemont residents to ensure the design truly represented their neighborhood. The result? A stunning new landmark that captures the natural beauty of Clairemont and Bay Park, featuring topographical elements, local wildlife, and a deep connection to the land.
This project is a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do. When neighbors come together to share ideas, pick up a brush, and see their stories reflected in public spaces, art becomes more than just a mural—it becomes a source of pride and belonging. “When the painting is up, people feel connected to it,” explained Ian. “Whether they helped shape the design or had a hand in painting, they see themselves in it.”
SDG&E’s commitment to neighborhood beautification and helping to empower the communities we serve highlights how partnerships between corporations and nonprofit organizations can create lasting, positive impacts on public spaces.
Empowering Educators: Building Community with Art
We believe that art is more than just a subject—it’s a powerful tool for connection, identity, and social change. Over the past few months, we’ve deepened our commitment to supporting educators by hosting five in-house professional development sessions covering topics such as Art and Identity, Creating Community Through Art, Art for Social Change, Art and SEL, and Local and Contemporary Artists. These sessions have fostered a dynamic cohort of engaged educators, transforming our space into a true professional learning community hub. We’ve loved seeing teachers exchange ideas, explore new approaches, and leave with fresh inspiration to bring into their classrooms.
Beyond our in-house sessions, ArtReach had the privilege of leading professional development workshops for over 100 educators at The Learning Choice Academy, where we highlighted the powerful connection between art and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). We also partnered with Roosevelt Middle School to explore how art has historically been an agent for social change, equipping teachers with strategies to integrate these meaningful discussions into their lessons. These sessions continue to affirm the importance of arts education as a vehicle for empathy, expression, and deeper learning.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to keep growing this vibrant community of educators dedicated to making art accessible, relevant, and transformative. Whether through in-house PDs or school-based workshops, we’re honored to support teachers in bringing the joy and impact of art into their classrooms. Click here to explore our upcoming professional development opportunities—we’d love to learn and create with you!
Making a Living as an Artist
ArtReach’s first-ever Art Market took place on Saturday, April 5th! Thank you to everyone who joined us to support local youth and professional artists. The event featured a thoughtful collection of handmade pieces and provided a space for community members to connect with emerging talent and discover original artwork.
The Art Market was created in collaboration with Girl Scout Ecco Crockett as part of her Gold Award Project, “Making a Living as an Artist.” Ecco’s project focused on helping young artists (ages 13–24) explore what it means to pursue a creative path. In addition to organizing this event, she also coordinated a series of free workshops, including rug tufting and block printing.
We’re grateful to have been part of Ecco’s journey and to have supported her vision. Thank you again to all who attended and helped make this event a meaningful experience for the artists involved.
Celebrating Art & Community with ArtWalk
In March, we had the joy of hosting Mission Fed ArtWalk’s Featured Artist Reveal Party! This special event brought together influencers, sponsors, supporters, and community members to celebrate the power of art ahead of the 41st annual festival. Eight incredible artists were unveiled as this year’s featured talents, setting the stage for an inspiring weekend of creativity.
Since 2019, ArtReach has proudly partnered with Mission Fed ArtWalk to uplift both emerging and renowned artists while making art accessible to all. This year, we’re thrilled to bring back our Charity Art Auction, where 25 artists have transformed guitars, surfboards, and skateboards into one-of-a-kind works of art. This unique fundraiser not only gives artists a platform to showcase their talents but also helps fund free arts programs for youth in San Diego. Every bid is a step toward bringing more creativity into classrooms and communities—because art belongs to everyone!
Mark your calendars! Mission Fed ArtWalk returns April 26-27, featuring over 250 artists showcasing their work in painting, sculpture, glass, photography, fine jewelry, and more. We can’t wait to celebrate creativity with you!