In City Heights today, the community came together to use artistic talent for a good cause. Kids and teens are painting a new mural for the welcome wall of the Copley-Price Family YMCA.
In City Heights today, the community came together to use artistic talent for a good cause. Kids and teens are painting a new mural for the welcome wall of the Copley-Price Family YMCA. The theme is “It takes a village to raise a child.” and it is dedicated to children and families all across the community. The YMCA plans to reveal the finished mural sometime in November.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
We are thrilled to share that ArtReach has been named a finalist for the Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards presented by the San Diego Business Journal.
This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team and the profound impact we have on our community. As an organization committed to igniting youth creativity through visual arts expression and community connection, being a finalist for this award reinforces our commitment to fostering positive change in San Diego.
This honor fills us with gratitude knowing that our efforts have been acknowledged alongside other incredible organizations dedicated to making a difference. It serves as a powerful reminder that our work in the nonprofit sector holds significant value. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the San Diego Business Journal for this nomination!
Click here to read the full list of organizations doing the collective work that is fueling a brighter future for our community.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
ArtWalk Liberty Station is back for its 18th year, bringing a weekend-long celebration of arts and culture to San Diego’s Liberty Station on August 4, 5, and 6.
Curt Brooker, Director of ArtWalk San Diego, talks with CBS 8 News to talk about ArtWalk Liberty Station. Amongst the booths local artists, live music, and delicious food will be ArtReach, a local nonprofit providing free arts education to youth in San Diego. In order to help raise funds for their in-class programs, free mural programs, and community workshops, ArtReach will be hosting a guitar giveaway at their booth. Here’s what Curt had to say to CBS 8 News about the giveaway:
“Artwalk always partners with and supports ArtReach, and they bring art classes back to elementary schools in San Diego County. They’re going to have these amazing guitars there and they’re going to be doing a giveaway where you can submit a $20 donation per ticket, and at the end of the show they’ll draw a name, and you’ll be able to take home one of these amazing guitars”.
“That is pretty impressive, the level of detail – that is beautiful!” – CBS8NEWS
Custom-painted Fender Acoustic guitar by artist Yesica Corral
Custom-painted Taylor Acoustic guitar by artist Norm Daniels
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
College Area and Rolando residents of all ages worked together to paint a vibrant mural on the wall of The Little Flower, a floral shop located at 5547 El Cajon Blvd.
The public art project was funded by the College Area Community Council and College Area Business District in partnership with ArtReach, which provides in-class arts education and encourages community connections through its mural program. The mural design was envisioned by El Cerrito artist, Regan Russell, inspired by the shop’s motto, “From the Heart!”.
The summer season in College Area began with several great events and there’s more to come. On June 24, community members had the chance to help paint a mural on the long, outside wall of The Little Flower at 5547 El Cajon Blvd.
Community members shared their time and their talent to help make the new public art piece so striking. The colorful mural was the result of a collaboration with ArtReach, a visual arts education program focusing on social-emotional learning and community connections through in-class programs, and the ArtReach Mural Program. This project was funded by the College Area Community Council and the College Area Business District.
Regan Russell, an artist who happens to live in the El Cerrito neighborhood of College Area, created the mural concept with inspiration from the core business value of this wonderful local florist. Maria Elena Grimm established the shop in 2014 and says their business slogan is, “Designs are created especially for you from the heart.”
The Little Flower is also a recipient of the City of San Diego’s Storefront Improvement Program. This additional opportunity provides small business owners with a no-cost design consultation and reimbursement of half of the cost to revamp their front facade, up to $8,000. Please visit our College Area Business District to see the beautiful new mural and storefront improvements at The Little Flower.
While some community members helped paint the mural, other community members were painting and planting pots at the College-Rolando Library‘s Gardenpalooza, including a succulent swap and other environmentally-friendly fun.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
To boost arts and cultural experiences for San Diegans, the city is funneling $12.2 million to local nonprofits for programming and neighborhood projects this fiscal year. Among the recipients were ArtReach San Diego, which provides free or low-cost visual arts education to Title 1 schools.
To boost arts and cultural experiences for San Diegans, the city is funneling $12.2 million to local nonprofits for programming and neighborhood projects this fiscal year.
Among the 113 recipients were ArtReach San Diego, which provides free- or low-cost visual arts education to Title 1 schools; Fern Street Community Arts, which brings circus performance and education to underserved communities; and the San Diego Children’s Choir, which provides children with music education and performance opportunities.
Funding was also given to 73 organizations for neighborhood projects, such as to the Chicano Park Steering Committee for its annual Chicano Park Day and to the Pacific Beach Community Development for summer concerts to he held at Kate Sessions Park.
The funding is an annual occurrence for the city’s Commission for Arts and Culture, supporting programs and activities such as film and video screenings, exhibits, performances, festivals, parades and other neighborhood events.
“Our annual support of local arts and cultural organizations fosters a stronger economy, creates more jobs, gives our city a sense of identity and enhances the lives of San Diegans and our visitors from around the world,” said Mayor Todd Gloria.
The funding is generated through a local allocation of Transient Occupancy Tax collected from visitors who stay overnight in hotels, motels and other similar accommodations.
Funds are awarded to applicants by the commission’s Organization Support Program and Creative Communities San Diego, which support nonprofits and neighborhood projects, respectively.
Nonprofit arts and culture organizations can use funding to deliver programs and activities that offer residents and tourists direct access to arts and culture opportunities.
“As the region’s largest annual funder for arts and culture, the city of San Diego puts creativity into action daily,” said Jonathon Glus, Executive Director for Arts and Culture. “These investments provide a lasting impact through job creation, they build stronger communities and empower arts and cultural organizations to reach and engage all San Diegans.”
The city will announce the application process for fiscal year 2025 this fall. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/arts-culture.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, renowned for its commitment to developing top-tier athletes, has undergone a captivating transformation with the help of ArtReach San Diego.
The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, renowned for its commitment to developing top-tier athletes, has undergone a captivating transformation with the help of ArtReach San Diego. In an exciting collaboration, ArtReach embarked on a project at the training center’s classroom working alongside enthusiastic students from the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s summer camp. Supported by the City of Chula Vista through the Create Chula Vista Visual Arts Grant, this initiative aims to inspire young minds while adding a touch of artistic brilliance to the training center’s environment.
Engaging Students in Sports Medicine and Health:
The project took place at the Health Station classroom within the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, where students from the Chula Vista Elementary School District had the unique opportunity to delve into the world of sports medicine and health. Throughout the week, these aspiring young minds participated in activities such as learning how to tape ankles and creating model prosthetics, expanding their knowledge and fostering an appreciation for careers in these fields.
The Mural Creation Process:
ArtReach San Diego’s Mural Team collaborated closely with the summer camp students, combining their creative energies to bring the mural to life. The students not only contributed to the painting process but also infused the project with their focused and joyful energy. Under the guidance of ArtReach’s talented artists, the students experienced the thrill of transforming a blank wall into a vibrant work of art.
The Striking Mural:
Although the project is still in progress, the mural already promises to be a remarkable addition to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. With ArtReach San Diego’s expertise and the students’ contributions, the mural is poised to capture the essence of athleticism, health, and inspiration. Stay tuned for the final unveiling as the team completes the remaining wall, which is sure to be a visual testament to the power of art and community collaboration.
Acknowledging the Grant:
The realization of this project would not have been possible without the generous support of the City of Chula Vista through the Create Chula Vista Visual Arts Grant. By investing in initiatives like this, the city demonstrates its commitment to fostering artistic expression and bringing the community together through public art.
Conclusion:
The ongoing mural project at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, led by ArtReach San Diego, showcases the power of art to engage, inspire, and transform spaces. With the involvement of enthusiastic students from the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s summer camp and the support of the City of Chula Vista, this endeavor encapsulates the spirit of creativity, education, and community collaboration. As the mural nears completion, it stands as a testament to the lasting impact of art in unexpected places and its ability to ignite imaginations and inspire future generations.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
When art funding was slashed from San Diego school budgets, ArtReach said we need to do something. ArtReach was founded to not only fund but actually do outreach to facilitate art programs.
ArtReach’s annual Charity Art Auction is a highly anticipated event that showcases the talent of local and renowned artists. The fundraiser challenges artists to transform ordinary objects into unique and extraordinary works of art, highlighting the idea that anything can be art. By participating in the auction, artists have the opportunity to expand their client base while supporting arts programs for youth.
While the auction takes place online and is open to anyone nationwide, ArtReach has partnered with ArtWalk since 2019 to showcase the art at their outdoor festivals. These events provide local and visiting attendees the opportunity to view the auction items in person and place bids in person. The exposure provided by ArtWalk increases the audience to both the auction and the programs.
Thanks to the generosity of businesses and major supporters, ArtReach has had access to a wide range of items that artists can use as their canvases. These partnerships ensure that the entirety of the funds raised supports both the participating artists and ArtReach’s free programs for youth that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities. Since 2019 the impact has funded over $119,000 for Arts Education. Over 332 custom art pieces have been designed by 113 professional and student artists.
Art on Bicycles
10 BICYCLES
65 HELMETS, BELLS, & BASKETS
29 ARTISTS
New bicycles and accessories donated by Electra Bicycle Company
Electra Bicycle Company, a San Diego-based company and the leading lifestyle bicycle brand in the U.S. has generously donated a collection of bikes and accessories to be transformed by local artists. Founded in Southern California in 1993, Electra has aimed to put the fun into bike riding again. Their founding philosophy combines creativity, innovation, design, and attention to detail to make the most comfortable bikes possible. We’re so honored and thrilled to be partnering with them on this event!
ArtReach has partnered with Mission Fed ArtWalk to showcase the Bicycle Art Auction during their event on April 29th & 30th. Visitors can view the art at the Piazza della Famiglia in Little Italy to view painted bicycles and accessories up close! ArtReach staff is on-site to facilitate in-person bids on your favorites. Proceeds from this Charity Art Auction directly benefit our free programs for youth that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities.
Vans Fashion Valley donated over 100 pairs of Vans shoes to be transformed into custom, wearable works of art by local artists. Artists customized the shoes with acrylic paint, paint pens, crystals, a collage technique using printed fabric images, and even paint that is black light reactive to create truly unique, custom art for your feet.
All 87 pairs of Vans were sold through an online auction and were exhibited during ArtWalk @ Liberty Station in August 2022. In addition to the auction, this was the first project where two featured artists joined our team at ArtWalk to custom-paint Vans live for attendees to take home on the spot. Proceeds from this Charity Art Auction directly benefited our free programs for youth that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities.
Over 130 vinyl records were collected from local record stores to be transformed into custom works of art. The project also featured three electric guitars that were donated by Fender for artists to transform into unique, playable works of art. Artists customized the records and guitars with a variety of mixed media, acrylic paint, oil paint, resin, spray paint, glass, collage art, and fibers to create truly unique, custom art. Some of the artists also created 3D sculptural pieces, featuring a dress form made from melted vinyl and fibers, a relief sculpture made with carved vinyl and live moss, and a 4’x6′ relief painting of an owl made up broken-up pieces of vinyl.
For the first time, the auction featured art by local student artists. Participating artist and teacher Paul Mericle led his 9th-12th grade students at Francis Parker School through a mixed-media project, incorporating vinyl record art that will be included in the auction. ArtReach is proud to support student artists by giving them the opportunity to experience the process of exhibiting and selling their artwork.
All of the records and guitars were sold through an online auction and were exhibited during Mission Fed ArtWalk in April 2022. Proceeds from this Charity Art Auction directly benefited our free programs for youth that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities.
32 ARTISTS New electric & acoustic guitars donated by Fender
Electric guitars were transformed into playable art! Fender generously donated 32 electric, acoustic, and bass guitars to be transformed into playable works of art by local artists. Artists customized the guitars with acrylic paint, resin, spray paint, tape dots, Posca pens, and ink to create truly unique, custom art.
Among the participating artists were singer-songwriter and philanthropist Jason Mraz and musician Tom Delonge of Blink-182.
All 32 guitars were sold through an online auction and were exhibited during Mission Fed ArtWalk in April 2021. Proceeds from this Charity Art Auction directly benefited our free programs for youth that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities.
James Hood Guitar and Wildcat Guitars in Escondido donated their time and services to reassemble all of the guitars and ensure they were all playable and ready for the auction.
31 ARTISTS New electric & acoustic guitars donated by Fender
Fender generously donated 30 EVH Wolfgang Standard electric guitars to be transformed into playable works of art by local artists. As an added bonus, an anonymous donor provided a Mark Hoppus Signature Jazz Bass from their personal collection to also be included in the auction. Artists customized the guitars with acrylic paint, resin, spray paint, glass mosaic, collage art, and even crystals to create truly unique, custom art.
All 31 guitars were sold through an online auction and were exhibited during ArtWalk @ Liberty Station in October 2020. Proceeds from this Charity Art Auction directly benefited our free programs for youth that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities. Among the participating artists was singer-songwriter and activist Michael Franti, who painted the title of his popular album and song, “Stay Human.”
Rerip generously donated 35 recycled surfboards to be transformed into custom works of art by local artists. Artists customized the guitars with acrylic paint, oil paint, resin, spray paint, and glass mosaic to create truly unique, custom art. One surfboard was even created completely out of wood.
Among the participating artists was singer-songwriter and philanthropist Jason Mraz, whose all-white “PEACE AND QUIET” surfboard transformed under black light to show the bright and bold “MAKE SOME NOISE.”
All 35 surfboards were sold through an online auction and were exhibited during Mission Fed ArtWalk in April 2019. Proceeds from this Charity Art Auction directly benefited our free programs for youth that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities.
Each year ArtReach chooses a new canvas to which artists create one of a kind masterpieces and those precious pieces are auctioned off. Because of the unique nature of these pieces and the work of the ArtReach Marketing and PR team they get lots of local attention. They are masters at partnering and recognition. Here are some examples of the public ways they solicit for artists and support.
Artists and donors that want to partner with ArtReach on a future Charity Art Auction If you or your business share our commitment to ignite youth creativity, here is how they work together!
Website: Feature your linked logo on the ArtReach website as a partner. (3k monthly visitors)
Media: Include you in the auction-related press release for distribution to local media, with an opportunity to appear on local news/comment for articles related to the fundraiser.
Emails/Newsletters: Feature you in email blasts related to the fundraiser, directing our supporters to your website. (4k subscribers)
Social Media: Tag you on social media posts related to the fundraiser on Instagram,Facebook,Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts. (8k followers) Event: Include your name and logo on event signage/promotional items.
Special thanks to Anna Laroque, Community Engagement Manager at ArtReach San Diego Area for sharing their fundraising story here.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
Curt Brooker, Director of ArtWalk San Diego, is joined by Sarah Holbach, Executive Director of ArtReach San Diego, to chat about the longest-running outdoor fine art festival in Southern California.
Curt Brooker, Director of ArtWalk San Diego, is joined by Sarah Holbach, Executive Director of ArtReach San Diego, to chat about the longest-running outdoor fine art festival in Southern California. The festival will take place in San Diego’s Little Italy district on April 29 and 30. Brooker and Holbach talk about ArtWalk’s support of ArtReach San Diego, an organization that increases equity in visual arts education in K-8 schools throughout San Diego County.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
Executive Director of ArtReach, Sarah Holbach chats with Hoa Quach about the importance of igniting youth creativity and connecting community through art.
Sarah Holbach said she fell in love with art education at an early age. At 16, she began volunteering and teaching at youth centers across the Inland Empire. Projects always varied, but were always fun.
“I gained expertise in developing innovative programs, writing curricula, teaching, procuring materials, curating and installing immersive installations for galleries, and planning community art events,” Holbach said. “I knew immediately that this would be a lifelong career path, and I was lucky enough to start early.”
Today, the mom of two is the executive director of ArtReach, a nonprofit that gives children the opportunity to work with an artist and to create original work. In the month of March alone, the nonprofit will host 356 classes for young artists.
“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have other creative mentors who taught me the importance of infusing joy into all aspects of my work, counseled me through the technical aspects of nonprofit administration and grant writing, and supported my career development while I started a family,” Holbach said. “Now, with over two decades of experience in the art industry, my ultimate goal is to continue this work, while sharing my knowledge and passion to inspire the next generation of artists and art educators.”
Through her 10 years with ArtReach, Holbach said the nonprofit has worked with nearly 54,000 children through a free visual arts program that focuses on social-emotional learning. Creating confidence among youth is the ultimate goal as they also design unique pieces of art. The nonprofit is even more meaningful in California where art programs continue to be underfunded.
“Our purpose is to ignite youth creativity and connect through community, and we are doing just that. What could be better?” Holbach said.
In April, Holbach and her team will be bringing their knowledge and supplies to the MissionFed ArtWalk in Little Italy. The 39th annual event will take place on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30, giving attendees the chance to meet local artists, enjoy food and live music, and of course, create masterpieces.
ArtReach will host free, family-friendly art events throughout the weekend with the goal of inspiring more young people. For Holbach, she finds inspiration within her own family.
“I have two small humans, Clementine and Pearl,” she said. “They both spent their baby and toddlerhood at the ArtReach office, growing up alongside our organization. They are our staff muses, our lesson testers, our supply sorters. Witnessing their creative confidence develop has been a daily reminder of why the ArtReach mission is so important.”
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
For the past 15 years, ArtReach has been inspiring creativity in kids throughout San Diego. In addition to helping ArtReach offer no-cost visual arts programs in local schools, volunteers like mural program assistant Sarah Kian lead students to beautify their campuses with colorful, meaningful murals.
What made you want to become a volunteer for ArtReach?
I was really excited to have the opportunity to work with ArtReach and help bring arts education to the local schools of San Diego! I graduated with degrees in Human Biology and Studio Art at UC San Diego and I felt that my arts education was incredibly valuable. It is often something that can be overlooked or the first to go when budgets get tight, but programs like ArtReach do such a beautiful job of upholding the arts within the San Diego community.
Is training required?
Everyone has a unique set of skills and perspectives that can always be seen as an asset when it comes to art! Therefore, no training was necessarily required to be a volunteer as there are so many different ways to help at ArtReach. I was fortunate enough to take an educational studies course where I got to work as a mentor to elementary school students during my time at UC San Diego. This coupled with my art degree was really helpful in getting to work with students in ArtReach’s mural programs.
What is the time commitment?
I currently volunteer on a need basis that works around my work and school schedule, which makes it really easy to devote my spare time to working with ArtReach.
What has been the biggest challenge?
I would say the biggest challenge is saying goodbye to cool projects. I work a lot with the murals program. After spending hours helping a school finish up its beautiful mural, it feels rather bittersweet in the end. It’s exciting to see the final project but you miss getting to work on such a fabulous design. Luckily there’s always the next mural to get excited about!
Who should volunteer for ArtReach?
Anyone who is interested in getting creative and working with some very cool people. You certainly can’t go wrong with volunteering for ArtReach. It is such a blast, and it is really fulfilling getting to contribute towards making San Diego that much more colorful.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
ArtReach, in partnership with The City of Chula Vista and the Create Chula Vista Visual Arts Grant, is thrilled to have brought a new transformative mural to the front of J. Calvin Lauderbach Elementary, bringing life, color, and joy to the front of the school. This mural was designed by local artist, Josué Baltézar, who grew up in Chula Vista himself, and painted by over 100 6th grade students, staff, and community.
Welcome and Bienvenidos to J. Calvin Lauderbach Elementary!
A school of transformation, growth, collaboration, and rootedness, over 100 6th-grade students from the class of 2023 contributed their time, care, and focus to painting this mural. Not only did the participating students paint much of the wall, but they also helped inspire the design during ArtReach-led workshops by sharing their words, ideas, and drawings of what they could envision for the front of their school. The result is this stunning and colorful legacy mural, painted by their very own hands.
From left to right, we start with the larger-than-life, Opuntia (prickly pear cactus) which represents the strength and resilience that Lauderbach students and community carry within them. Joyful Papel Picado (perforated paper) with three birds rests above the door. These three birds not only symbolize journey and destination but also distinctly stand for 3 generations of Lauderbach families and the deep-rootedness of this community as a whole.
The Lauderbach Cougar, representing school pride, sits and looks towards a hopeful and bright horizon, surrounded by the golden blooms of our state flower, the California poppy. Above the windows is an homage to the City of Chula Vista by rendering a visual tie to the city logo and further encompassing Chula Vista pride.
Lastly, the word Bienvenidos (Welcome) can be seen right at the pickup/drop off area. This marks Lauderbach’s unique position as a dual language immersion school and also welcomes all to the Lauderbach Family.
Collaboration is key
This imaginative mural at J. Calvin Lauderbach Elementary is a bold reminder of what can be achieved when many people collaborate with care and connection. Above all, it is a reminder to all students that just like the powerful and growing Opuntia, they also carry within themselves their own potential for growth, transformation, and the ability to bloom.
This ArtReach mural project was made possible by the City of Chula Vista and The Chula Vista Library through the Create Chula Vista Visual Arts Grant.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
In honor of ArtReach’s 15th birthday, Councilmember Stephen Whitburn of District 3 proclaimed today, November 1st, 2022 to be “ArtReach Day” in the City of San Diego. We want to thank Councilmember Whitburn for his dedication to the community and for his ongoing support of our mission and the youth we work with.
Pictured below is Councilmember Whitburn speaking at the dedication for our collaborative mural with the 1st grade class of the Museum School and staff of St. Paul’s Senior Services this past June. The mural was co-designed by Chloe Moya and Isabel Halpern. We were especially grateful to have Councilmember Whitburn in attendance, speaking about the importance of visual arts education and youth voice in the community.
Click here or the image below to watch the video from today’s City Council meeting in which Councilmember Whitburn spoke on behalf of ArtReach. The proclamation for ArtReach Day was unanimously passed.
Thank you so much to Councilmember Whitburn and the City of San Diego for this huge honor!
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
In an effort to further connect the community with art, ArtReach is hosting art workshops in its new space — for San Diegans of all ages.
Since 2007, the nonprofit has focused on providing free visual art programs to youth across San Diego County, primarily at Title I schools that do not otherwise have funding for art.
“We’re serving all these neighborhoods and all these schools and students, but once we leave the classroom, is there access to art beyond that? We don’t know,” said Yasmine Kasem, the workshop coordinator.
Now, ArtReach is now expanding its programming and hosting art workshops for the community outside of a traditional school classroom in Studio HQ, its new office space in Bankers Hill.
“We wanted to create additional opportunities for people to come in and get some extra art in their lives and focus on serving people of all ages,” Kasem added.
Among those is “Community. Access. Connection,” a pay-what-you-can workshop series that provides accessible art lessons to the community, led by local professional artists who share their unique skills in diverse mediums, from acrylic painting to textile art.
With a suggested donation of $20, proceeds from each event directly support ArtReach’s free visual arts education programs, as well as the workshop series by funding materials and artist stipends.
“There’s not a lot of art funding throughout the county — and that’s why we exist — so even a donation as little as $10 is going to ensure one (child) artist gets art for the year,” said Anna Laroque, community engagement manager at ArtReach.
Each two-hour lesson focuses on a different medium and technique. Workshops can accommodate up to 18 participants and are kid- and family-friendly.
They’re also a way to support local artists — whose material fees are covered and are paid for their participation — and share their skills.
“Just as much as this is a platform to give people access to education, it’s also a platform to elevate artists,” Kasem said. “So it’s really a place to showcase them, uplift them and connect them to their communities.”
During a recent workshop, artist Lulu Yueming Qu taught traditional Chinese painting using Chinese brushes, ink and rice paper.
When Qu immigrated from Beijing in 2018, she brought with her more than 20 years of Chinese painting skills, which she was excited to share with San Diego.
“There’s a lot of people who know about other cultures in San Diego, but they don’t really get to practice them,” Qu said. The workshop is “a very good opportunity for people to learn more about art.”
For Qu, it was special to have the opportunity to instruct participants on traditional materials they’d never used before.
“Traditional Chinese painting is so unique, so different from other types of art, so … I want to introduce people to it,” she added.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
Join us for a year of celebrating ArtReach turning 15! It all started with two sisters wanting to connect artists with schools that lacked funding for visual art programs. Fifteen years later, ArtReach has ignited the creativity of over 60,000 students. It could not have been possible without your support.
There are many chapters that make up our fifteen-year story. Let’s review, shall we?
15 years of providing visual arts education at K-12 schools across San Diego
14 happy little office plants tended by our talented Teen Mural Artist Apprentice
13 annual student art shows to exhibit art, connect with families, and celebrate youth creativity
12 dedicated board members that share their time and talents while upholding our vision
11 days off for winter break, giving our team of artists time to recharge for the new year
10 mural Artist Partners working with youth to transform their big ideas into reality
9 years of partnership with Knockaround to bring inspiration, free lessons, and sweet shades to our students
8 teaching Artists inspiring students to harness their artistic potential and apply it throughout their lives
7 full-time staff members who collaboratively engage 6,000 youth in visual arts experiences each year
6 new studio office workshops in 2022 led by local artists to provide accessible art lessons to our community
5 charity art auctions with upcycled items transformed into one-of-a-kind works of art by renowned artists
4 years of youth murals at schools and community centers with the ArtReach Mural Program
3ArtWalk art festivals per year to connect with our community through visual arts
2 co-founders who had a vision that continues to be the core purpose of ArtReach today
1 mission to ignite youth creativity through visual arts expression and community connection
Thank you, thank you for being a part of our story. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate throughout the year!
Have a favorite ArtReach memory? Share it with us on social media today by tagging @artreachsd and #artreachturns15.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
Over fifty students at Fred H. Rohr Elementary School (Rohr Elementary) participated in designing and creating its new art mural. Students were able to share their ideas and contribute their time to painting the mural for all students and families to enjoy for years to come.
On Friday, Sept. 9, Rohr Elementary hosted a ribbon-cutting event and unveiling of the new mural. “The Chula Vista Elementary School District believes in all of our children and art is one way that support manifest here today,” said Principal Mayra C. Reyes.
The mural features a lion that reflects the school’s mascot and signifies their lion pride. A bright display of plants, flowers, and stars gives a warm welcome to all that enter the school. “I was really excited when I found out I was able to paint the mural,” said 6th-grade student Dahlyla De La Torre. “I felt really lucky that my school was given the grant to paint the mural outside that would be seen for years to come.”
The event was attended by City of Chula Vista representatives, District leadership and students, and staff participating in the mural creation. The City of Chula Vista, Chula Vista Public Library, and ArtReach San Diego made the project possible through the Create Chula Vista Arts Grant. The Create Chula Vista Arts Grant provides opportunities for art projects that provide an enriching and accessible cultural opportunity for the City’s residents and visitors.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
With generous and complete funding from Lawrence A. Appley Foundation, ArtReach Mural Program artists, Regan Russell and Donald Gould, have transformed the two front walls of the YMCA Youth and Family Services Escondido Housing Program apartment complex.
With generous and complete funding from Lawrence A. Appley Foundation, ArtReach Mural Program artists, Regan Russell and Donald Gould, have transformed the two front walls of the YMCA Youth and Family Services Escondido Housing Program apartment complex.
These apartments house 39 youth residents with fully furnished apartments. It offers a safe and welcoming environment for homeless youth, foster youth and transition-age youth to support them in their transition to independence and self-sufficiency.
All About Resilience and Moving Forward
ArtReach gathered words, ideas, writing, themes, imagery, and actual drawings from volunteer youth residents who live onsite. Some of the questions asked to help gather mural imagery were What does living here mean to you? Or What would you want others to feel as they come to live here for the first time?
Youth residents answered with a variety of responses using their own art and words. Amongst their answers were drawings of plants, expressions of calm, of being on a journey, of meditation. One theme in particular kept emerging and that was the theme of resilience: “I was thinking of putting in a desert landscape- to show that even though the desert sometimes feels like there is nothing there, we go on living and go on surviving.”
What we see is just that. Resilient and larger-than life desert plants of agave, prickly pear, and aeoniums grow tall from the earth. A topographical map pattern makes up the background and alludes to the many layers, paths, and future destinations of our shared collective and individual journeys.
As another resident wrote, “I was thinking of adding the words, ‘begin again’ to show that this apartment and these organizations can help people with a new start or the next step into adulthood.” Whether it’s starting a journey or re-starting, this space with the incredible services of YMCA Youth and Family Services and the onsite staff are here for the residents every step of the way.
United We Stand…
Not only did youth residents help contribute with the mural design imagery, but they also physically painted the lower portions of the main wall during a Community Paint Day hosted by ArtReach. This was a chance for residents to connect to each other in an engaging and creative way outside of daily life. Working together, painting big, connecting with ArtReach Mural Artists, and hanging out after.
The new murals are right across from a small garden that residents recently just planted themselves. While standing at this small new garden of sprouts, you can see the bursting with life prickly pear cactus on the mural wall. Through calming yet bright colors and through community care the residents have this daily reminder of their own resilience while tending to, nurturing, and planting their own future dreams and aspirations.
The ArtReach Mural Program and Mural Artists are honored to have helped contribute to the transformation of such an important home for current and future residents.
Amanda Sanchez, Associate Executive Director of YMCA Youth & Family Services said, “I am excited that the participants now have something to represent them in their community. Throughout the development process, participants could connect and share what the program means to them. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this project and made an impactful statement. This beautiful vibrant mural depicts having a safe place to heal, grow, and reach your fullest potential.”
Notable Partners:
Lawrence A. Appley Foundation: This project was funded fully by Lawrence A. Appley Foundation. The Lawrence A. Appley Foundation, Inc. (LAAF) Certificate of Incorporation includes the following statement. “The purposes for which the corporation (Foundation) is formed are… …charitable… …scientific, literary, or educational…” We encourage LAAF Board Members located around the country to help identify 501(c)(3) entities by thinking globally and acting locally. We feel strongly about identifying worthwhile 501(c)(3) organizations in San Diego and evaluating them for potential contributions. In our opinion, the following description of how LAAF funds will be used by ArtReach San Diego is an excellent match/fit.
YMCA Youth and Family Services YMCA Youth & Family Services (YFS) is a branch of the YMCA of San Diego County devoted to social services. Our unique programming has been addressing San Diego’s most pressing social issues since 1970 and we continue to expand our services to adapt to our community’s needs.
We are focused on bringing about meaningful and lasting change in our youth and families by ensuring they have a safe place to live; by providing them with a reliable support system; by challenging them to pursue their goals; and by connecting them to resources needed to flourish. YFS now operates a variety of programs throughout San Diego County that combine to serve approximately 15,000 individuals each year.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
The Charity Art Auction is live and open for bidding!
Join us for our signature upcycled Charity Art Auction, featuring one-of-a-kind art on vinyl records. This auction includes our largest number of participating artists and art to date!
Online Auction Bid now through May 1st
Mission Fed ArtWalk Saturday, April 30th and Sunday, May 1st
All art will be on display in the Piazza della Famiglia in Little Italy
The Charity Art Auction supports free visual arts education for youth at San Diego County schools and community centers. Proceeds from the auction directly benefit our programs for young people that may not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities.
51 Professional Visual Artists // 103 Vinyl Art Pieces
33 High School Student Artists // 36 Vinyl Art Pieces
Variety of 3D Sculptural + Framed Vinyl Art
3 Playable Art Guitars
Thank you to all of our artists for contributing their beautiful artwork to this charity auction. We are proud to also include artwork by student artists, providing them the opportunity to experience the process of exhibiting and selling their artwork.
Thank you, thank you for your support!
Follow us @artreachsd for updates on the Charity Art Auction.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
Our newest mural, titled “The Brightest View,” lives on the school campus of Pacific View Leadership Elementary in Paradise Hills. ArtReach Mural Teaching Artist Hanna Gundrum worked closely with a passionate group of 5th-graders to dream up a welcoming, joyful mural to gift to their fellow students, families, and community members.
The mural was initially planned for March 2020, but was halted mid-program due to COVID-19. The outlines were drawn onto the wall and ready to be filled in with bright paint, but then school was shut down, and the mural was sadly put on hold.
“Our class met every Wednesday at 1 p.m., and they told me it gave them something to look forward to all week. Art is really great for quality alone time, but it is also a good way to build community with your peers and to share ideas. And now, these kids can walk by the mural with their families and say, ‘I helped make that.'” -Hanna Gundrum, ArtReach Mural Teaching Artist
Creating Together Virtually
When school shifted to virtual learning, the students that designed the mural advocated for a new way to connect and create from home. With the help of Hanna, teacher Cindy Trunzo, and generous donations from supporters, a Distance Mural project was created.
The class met over Zoom and brainstormed ideas for a new design based on the prompt “what uplifts you?” Hanna turned their ideas into a three by five-foot wooden mural and cut it into smaller pieces for painting at home. Each piece, each square, was painted through live virtual art classes.
The collaborative design was mounted on the chain-link fence at the school, facing out into the community. The Distance Mural brought a hopeful and uplifting feeling during a challenging time.
“Painting it made me feel calmer, and it gave me a little time for myself. It makes me feel like even though it’s a hard time, we can make things better.” -ArtReach Student Mural Artist
Painting Together Again
Now, two years later, ArtReach teamed up with Hanna and Cindy to bring the new class of 5th graders to finish what was started. With only a few minor updates from the previous design, students and community members (including one of the original student artists from 2020) finally had the chance to bring this mural to life. “The Brightest View” acts as a symbol of hope and resilience for all involved and will leave a lasting mark on the campus for future students, families, and staff.
“Thank you for letting us 5th graders help paint the mural. I’m glad that I could leave a piece of me at this school. I think the mural will lighten up the school. It will be a staple of this school for a very, very, very long time.” -ArtReach Student Mural Artist
“Thank you for taking the time to make this mural and for making our school a little more joyful. When I see the mural it makes me happy. I love seeing it and walking past it. Painting on the mural made me like drawing again. I really enjoyed painting and a little part of us will stay here on the wall.” -ArtReach Student Mural Artist
“Today we dedicate ‘The Brightest View’ to stand as a testament to perseverance and resilience. This project is a result of the partnerships that ArtReach San Diego builds with young people across the county. Their unwavering dedication to equity in visual arts education is the hallmark of their program and their relationships. We are so fortunate to be recipients of this beautiful gift and are honored to have contributed our ideas and labor to its completion.” -Cindy Trunzo, 5th-grade teacher, Pacific View Leadership Elementary
Thank you to everyone that helped make this mural happen. This project was two emotional years in the making, and we are genuinely so happy it finally came together. The mural was special right from the beginning, and it will forever be a symbol of hope and resilience for Pacific View and the ArtReach Mural Program.
Thank you to Gensler San Diego for sponsoring the lift rental from Sunbelt Rentals and for sending an incredible team of volunteers to help paint!
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
The ArtReach Mural Program’s recent mural is being unveiled at John J. Montgomery Elementary. Over 50 students helped inspire the design and paint the welcome mural. This serves as a contribution and legacy gift for their whole campus community.
The ArtReach Mural Program’s recent mural is being unveiled at John J. Montgomery Elementary. Over 50 students helped inspire the design and paint the welcome mural. This serves as a contribution and legacy gift for their whole campus community.
The Welcome Mural
The ribbon-cutting at the school is the culmination and celebration of the whole creative campus, as John J. Montgomery is an arts-focused and designated Turnaround Arts: California school. Student speakers, and a special performance by the Opus Project with the San Diego Youth Symphony will also be highlighted at the event.
ArtReach, a not-for-profit arts education program, has been providing free or low cost in-class and mural instruction since 2007. They focus on Title 1 Schools that have no other resources for visual art education.
The Welcome Mural is the second ArtReach mural on campus. Both murals were designed by Tawianese-American artist, Liesel Plambeck. It features themes that are important to the community of John J. Montgomery- the arts, music, hope, community, the ocean, and school pride with the eagle mascot.
The designs were created using words, drawings and ideas from students as well as school staff during mural workshops. Each and every 6th grader at John J. Montgomery Elementary participated in the process of designing and physically painting the mural.
Dr. Lydia Burgos, John. J Montgomery principal said:
“The ArtReach mural projects at Montgomery have united us around a shared value of caring. Caring for each other and caring for our campus. The pandemic separated us and our murals allowed us to come together in an effort to have our spaces reflect who we are. Educators and families know that students grow when they feel safe and seen. Our murals are a reflection of that effort.”
Knockaround– donated a new pair of sunglasses for every 6th grade artist to keep.
Liesel Plambeck- Mural Artist Partner and Lead Muralist for both Montgomery murals.
About the ArtReach Mural Program:
The ArtReach Mural Program believes in the power of community and art to change lives and spaces. A mural provides an opportunity for people to work together while creating something transformative and lasting for their site. The ArtReach Mural Program works directly with youth at schools and community centers to dream-up large collaborative works that represent their vision.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
Poway 5th Graders Paint 100-Foot Tribute to Kumeyaay People // The artists included imagery that depicts the school’s values — growth, sunshine, connection and heart — as well as the rich culture of the Kumeyaay people
A colorful mural painted by a group of fifth-graders was unveiled at a Poway elementary school on Thursday to pay tribute to the history of the Kumeyaay People.
Scrawled across the 100-foot mural were the words “Hola,” “Haawka” and “Hello,” to celebrate the connection between the native people and the bilingual Valley Elementary school, which sits on what used to be Kumeyaay land.
Students helped cut the ribbon unveiling the mural, which was designed and painted by the entire fifth-grade class through a non-profit arts education program called ArtReach.
The artists included imagery that depicts the school’s values — growth, sunshine, connection and heart, as well as the rich culture of the Kumeyaay people, including native plants like agave and the prickly pear cactus.
A large anatomical heart is meant to remind everyone to treat people with heart and kindness, the artists say.
Valley Elementary principal Ricardo Ceceña is proud the mural will be enjoyed by people outside of just the school.
“What’s very special about the location that we chose is that it is part of our campus but it is also a shared space,” Ceceña said. “The city of Poway uses our field for after school sporting activities and also weekend activites, so it’s not only going to be enjoyed and inspiring our students but also the community.”
Students were able to keep a print of the mural they helped create along with a new paintbrush.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
ArtReach Unveils Over 100ft-Long Mural At Valley Elementary // The mural was created by ArtReach artists and over 100 students and depicts shared values of the school
ArtReach, a nonprofit arts education program, unveils its latest mural at Valley Elementary in Poway created in collaboration with ArtReach teaching artists and over 100 5th grade students with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on December 2 at 8:30AM.
The mural was created through Art Reach’s Mural Program that works directly with youth at schools and community centers to provide an opportunity for people to work together while creating something transformative and lasting for their site and that represents their vision.
The Valley Elementary Mural is 935 square feet and over 100 feet in length, stretching along the entire back of the campus. The design was created using words, drawings and ideas from students as well as school staff. Every 5th grader at Valley Elementary participated in the process.This massive two-wall mural brightens the campus and brings meaning through themes created by the students.
Movement, play, growth, sunshine, connection, and heart.
Designed by artist, Isabel Halpern, these are the main themes that can be seen. These themes not only have special meaning for the school, but they connect to the Poway community in a tangible way.
While looking at the mural design, one can read “Hola”, “Haawka” and “Hello” which speaks to the importance and uniqueness of Valley being the only dual-language immersion school in Poway Unified. Additionally, it greets all, as this is a community park, with simple and welcoming greetings. Haawka means Hello in Kumeyaay, the original people on the land occupied by Valley Elementary. The imagery acknowledges the rich history of the Kumeyaay as well as some of the native plants in this area- yucca, agave, and the prickly pear cactus.
“This mural tells such a story of a school community pouring such love and pride into a campus that was craving inspiration and renewal,” said Valley Elementary parent to participating students, Nila Boquin.
A large anatomical heart is nestled in student-drawn flowers. The heart is the centerpiece of the mural as the “threads of kindness” emerge and flow throughout — uniting and connecting all elements in the design. The connecting thread also serves as a “finish line” for the figures running on the left building. Not only does Valley have a running club, but this element also celebrates achievement, movement, goal setting, and going after our dreams. Many students drew rolling hills of Poway and twinkling stars.
“Valley Elementary was a wonderful school to paint a collaborative, youth-driven community mural,” said Isabel Halpern, ArtReach Mural Program Manager. “In addition to the entire 5th grade class, we had over 20 parent volunteers who dedicated their time to help paint and make this big undertaking possible. I hope participating students remember that nothing can replace treating others with kindness.”
“There is a certain kindness that grows out of learning and communicating to others in another language,” said Ricardo Cecena, Valley Elementary Principal.
Notable partners include Tah Dah Foundation, who helped fund part of the mural, Colorama Paint and Supply, who donated all of the paint and new paint brushes for students to keep, and Knockaround, who donated a new pair of sunglasses for every 5th grade artist to keep.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
The “Art & Lit 2021” exhibit from Words Alive and ArtReach San Diego highlights student art inspired by books tackling themes of self-discovery and identity. The art projects are “identity circles,” which feature answers to literary prompts and designs made from the artists’ fingerprints. The exhibit is on display at the Mission Valley Library through Oct. 16. (Kristian Carreon/For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Meet Red. He is a crayon whose inner self is not reflected in the label he came with. His outside says “Red,” but inside, he knows he is really blue. And when a new friend helps him find the courage to be his true blue self, Red gets to scribble his way to happiness.
Red is the main character of “Red: A Crayon’s Story,” an award-winning picture book by Michael Hall. Red is also one of the literary heroes of “Art & Lit 2021,” a program that used books and art to help local students celebrate their true selves in a time when no one has felt like celebrating much of anything.
“We were trying to discover ways we could help during the pandemic. We asked a lot of our partners, ‘What are you seeing? How can stories connect us and help us help each other right now?’” said Amanda Bonds, program director for the local literacy organization Words Alive, which paired with fellow nonprofit ArtReach San Diego to bring “Art & Lit 2021″ to local students and their families.
“What we heard was that young people are isolated and lonely. They are feeling out of sorts, and it’s not their fault. None of this was their doing. We were after something to support the mental health of young people during this extraordinary time.”
In pre-pandemic times, Words Alive’s “Art & Lit” program brought guest artists into participating schools and organizations to work with students on projects inspired by the selected books. Since the project started in 2014, students have interpreted literary themes through mediums that included ink-and-paper art, sculpting, stop-animation and print-making.
But 2021 was not a traditional year.
With most schools still holding classes online, Words Alive had to find a new way to keep the “Art & Lit” flame burning. The organization partnered with ArtReach, a 14-year-old nonprofit that inspires young people through visual arts and community connections.
When San Diego’s schools shut down in March 2020, ArtReach pivoted to online classes, as the staff and volunteers found ways to get art supplies to students for projects that provided engagement and comfort. Once Words Alive chose the 2021 “Art & Lit” book list, the ArtReach staff came up with a companion art project featuring materials that were inexpensive and easy to deliver to participants. Kits that included selected books from the list and art materials went to 1,200 participants in San Diego.
For the literary part of the “Art & Lit 2021″ project, the book-lovers at Words Alive looked at the challenges facing young people in the time of Zoom classes and chose five books for different grade levels, each of them dealing with the themes of identity, resilience and courage.
In addition to “Red: A Crayon’s Story,” the “Art & Lit 2021″ selections included the story of a girl who discovers that a simple dot can be the start of something big (“The Dot”); the tale of an artist gorilla and the baby elephant who makes his life (and his art) better (“The One and Only Ivan”); and a young-adult novel about two loners who end up sharing a life-changing bond (“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe”).
For the art portion of the program, ArtReach chose identity circles. Inspired by the work of pioneering Black artist and teacher Alma Thomas, the identity-circle art project let participants create two identity circles. One featured answers to Words Alive prompts based on the books, which they wrote in a concentric pattern around the paper circle. The other featured designs made by their own fingerprints.
“When we read the books, what we really realized is that they all had the themes of self-discovery and identity. And there is nothing more individual than your finger print,” said ArtReach executive director Sarah Holbach.
“And what is really cool about writing in circular patterns is that it allowed their words to become the design. It let people loosen up and say more than if they were just writing a paragraph on a flat piece of paper. It was a great way for students to be honest and talk about their struggles during this time of being apart.”
The 2021 version of the “Art & Lit” launched early this year, with materials going out to the Words Alive and ArtReach partner schools and communities. Both organizations also posted instructions online, opening up this meditative project to anyone who wanted to grab a marker and take the plunge.
More than 200 pieces of art were returned to Words Alive and ArtReach, and many of them were incorporated into “Art & Lit 2021,” which is on display at the Mission Valley Library through Oct. 16. Words Alive will present a virtual version of the exhibit once it comes down.
Like the participants themselves, each identity circle is a one-of-a-kind project. But they all speak to the human need to reach beyond our screens and our pandemic pods to make our mark.
“I hope people will see the exhibit and be inspired to read the text and practice expressing themselves through art in one way or another,” said ArtReach community engagement manager Anna Laroque.
“It’s not just for kids. What we came up with definitely translated to all ages. We just want people to keep creating, no matter what the form is.”
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
Proceeds from the auction will go towards supporting ArtReach’s mission to provide young people with free and low-cost art programs
ArtReach has announced its upcoming Guitar Art auction – an event that will see the sale of 32 wild electric guitars, acoustic guitars and bass guitars custom-crafted by an array of renowned musicians and artists.
Comprising a number of familiar models – including Fender Stratocasters, Jazzmasters and Telecasters, as well as Jackson and Gretsch guitars – the lineup boasts an assortment of one-of-a-kind axes that will be auctioned off in aid of the ArtReach’s mission to promote art education.
Tom DeLonge and Jason Mraz spearhead the musicians department, with the Blink-182 six-stringer treating his “To the Stars” Gretsch Electromatic Rat Rod to an off-the-chains body art, featuring hand-drawn sketches and scrawls.
Mraz, on the other, hand opted for a more cosmic theme, with his “Use Your Super Powers For Good” Fender CD-60 Dreadnought sporting an out-of-this-world constellation-inspired pattern and emphatic, motivational text.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
More than 30 custom-painted EVH Wolfgang electric guitars are up for auction as part of ArtWalk @ Liberty Station, San Diego’s annual fine arts exhibition.
30 stunning custom-painted EVH Wolfgang guitars are up for auction – and you might just be able to afford them and Jason Mraz creations head up ArtReach’s 32-model art auction of one-off custom guitars
Bidding starts at $600 for the one-off guitars, which benefit nonprofit ArtReach San Diego
More than 30 custom-painted EVH Wolfgang electric guitars are up for auction as part of ArtWalk @ Liberty Station, San Diego’s annual fine arts exhibition.
The guitars were designed by several well-known local San Diego artists, including Bronle Crosby, Jeremy Sicile-Kira, Ellen Dieter, Grant Pecoff and Cheryl Sorg, as well as musician Michael Franti.
The art guitar auction benefits ArtReach San Diego, a nonprofit organization aimed at increasing equity in visual arts education in K-8 schools throughout San Diego County by delivering free or low cost workshops to schools that have no other resources for art.
Bidding is open through November 8, and bids start at just $600 for each guitar.
You can view a selection of the 30 models below – work began on the artwork in December of 2019, but the guitars have taken on a new poignancy in the wake of Eddie Van Halen’s death last month.
Now in its 15th year, ArtWalk @ Liberty Station takes place on November 7 and 8 and will feature artwork from over 150 local, national and international artists.
“This year we are bringing some much-needed color and art into people’s lives with a brand-new layout to allow for proper physical distancing,” said Sandi Cottrell, Director of ArtWalk San Diego.
“As we ring in our 15th year, ArtWalk @ Liberty Station serves as a beacon of light for the art community and will showcase our most diverse range of artists from across all mediums of art, traveling from the US, Mexico and beyond.”
Tickets are $5, and admission is free for anyone under 18. More information can be found at ArtWalk San Diego(opens in new tab).
Bidding on the custom Wolfgangs is open now(opens in new tab), and ends on November 8.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
Gizele Campos, a fifth-grader at Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills, cuts the red ribbon during the recent unveiling of the mural she and some of her classmates created during Zoom video sessions as part of the ArtReach Mural Program. ArtReach mural program manager Izzy Halpern (left) and teaching artist Hanna Gundrum were on hand to help. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The mural was a lot smaller than the creators planned, a modest 3 feet by 5 feet instead of a whopping two stories. The big outdoor painting experience became an in-home affair, as the young artists fended off nosy siblings and interfering pets so they could make their new deadline. The big dedication ceremony was downsized in a major way.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
It happened the way it needed to.
“It was like, ‘OK, so things didn’t go the way we planned. But we grew something beautiful out of it,’” said teacher Cindy Trunzo, whose fifth-grade students were supposed to start painting the mural on March 16.
“It showed me and it showed the kids that we don’t have to dwell on how negative things are. If we are willing to be flexible and throw ourselves into a new experience, we can trust that we will end up with something special.”
Like the school’s original mural plans, the coronavirus-related revision was a product of ArtReach San Diego, a 13-year-old nonprofit that provides free- or low-cost visual arts classes and projects to eligible schools that have little or no arts-education resources.
One of ArtReach’s newest offerings is the 2-year-old Mural Program, which gives students the chance to liven up their schools and neighborhoods with murals that they plan and paint themselves. With the help of an ArtReach teaching artist, the students work together to come up with a theme, sketch out a plan and then paint the final product using techniques they learn in their mural classes.
And when the murals are finished, they are unveiled at a ribbon-cutting party attended by the school’s students and faculty, along with parents, grandparents and members of the community.
That is the usual plan, anyway. But when the schools were shut down, the Pacific View mural looked like it might be over, too.
Instead, ArtReach went to Plan P.
That is “P” for “Pivot.” Instead of scratching the mural, the ArtReach team figured out a way to re-imagine it. Instead of painting a two-story mural on the wall of the multipurpose room/library, what if they went with a smaller mural made up of individual panels that the 11 participating students could paint at home?
Teaching artist Hanna Gundrum loved the idea. Trunzo loved the idea. And Trunzo’s students loved the idea so much, they offered up their allowances and piggy-bank funds to pay for the art supplies they would need to paint from home. The ArtReach staff did not love that idea.
“Cindy reached out and said, ‘This is how much this means to them. They are wanting to give up their life savings for art,’” ArtReach executive director Sarah Holbach remembered. “We just thought, ‘This is too important. It is our responsibility to show up for these kids and make it happen.’”
So Gundrum created a quick fundraising campaign featuring some handmade stickers she whipped up, and ArtReach asked for donations on its website. The money raised paid for individual Mural Artist Kits that included all of the supplies the students needed to paint the individual panels that would make up their social-distancing mural, along with supplies for the projects they would be making with Gundrum after the mural was finished.
Their art classes with Gundrum would happen on the Zoom video-conferencing platform, and their art studios could be anything from the floor of the bedrooms they share with their siblings to a couple of cardboard boxes piled up on the patio.
The projects were smaller, but the payoffs were huge.
“Our class met every Wednesday at 1 p.m., and they told me it gave them something to look forward to all week,” Gundrum said. “Art is really great for quality alone time, but it is also a good way to build community with your peers and to share ideas. And now, these kids can walk by the mural with their families and say, ‘I helped make that.’”
On May 28, a small group of masked Pacific View students and their masked parents gathered at a stretch of chain-link fence just outside the school’s playground for the mural’s installation and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The finished product features a butterfly, a gold and yellow rose and and two jaunty cacti, along with two short messages that say everything the students and their community need to hear right now.
“You are made of magic,” it says. “Keep going.”
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, 11-year-old Milee Garcia stepped back to check out the final results of her class’ group effort. She likes how it looks, but she loves how it feels.
“Painting it made me feel calmer, and it gave me a little time for myself,” said Milee, who painted her panel in the garage while her two siblings did their distance-learning in the house. “It makes me feel like even though it’s a hard time, we can make things better.”
More than 30 custom-painted EVH Wolfgang electric guitars are up for auction as part of ArtWalk @ Liberty Station, San Diego’s annual fine arts exhibition.
News 8 is partnered with the San Diego Office of Education to show students are still working together virtually.
In March, schools closed due the COVID-19 pandemic. 5th grade students at Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills were set to paint a large mural with the ArtReach Mural Program and mural artist Hanna Gundrum on their library building. ArtReach is a non-profit bringing art education into schools.
With the closure, the art project was put on hold. ArtReach had an alternative plan: a distance mural where students painted virtually via Zoom. Students gave their design ideas through words and their own drawings.
Educators and supporters came together and through fundraising, were able to provide virtual art classes and new art material kits for this group of students for the rest of the school year. The mural was installed on Thursday, May 28 on the school gate. The mural reads, “You are Made of Magic… Keep Going.”
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
More than 30 custom-painted EVH Wolfgang electric guitars are up for auction as part of ArtWalk @ Liberty Station, San Diego’s annual fine arts exhibition.
Area Non-Profit Still Finding Ways to Bring the Love of Art to Kids // With stay-at-home orders still well under way, one local art program is finding ways for its students to continue their lessons.
It’s no surprise, many businesses have been struggling during this COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the hardest-hit organizations have been non-profits who rely heavily on donations.
ArtReach San Diego is a local non-profit that brings free arts programming and projects to area schools.
They bring art lessons into classrooms, host after school activities and even organize events where kids can help paint murals on their schools. But they can’t go to schools or meet in groups right now, so they’re getting creative with how they can still help.
The organization is putting together artist kits that volunteers deliver to the doors of kids they’re working with. Then, they hold virtual lessons online.
ArtReach was formed in 2008, mainly as a response to school budget cuts and slashing art programs. It serves students in elementary, middle and high school as well as young adults.
Different teachers with ArtReach bring their skills into the classroom to teach students about art, from ceramics to painting. They’re finding ways to continue reaching as many kids as possible.
“One of the main ways we’ve been doing that is through pre-recorded art lessons on video and this is great for students and teachers to use from home. All of our projects are used with simple materials that they have readily available to them,” said Isabel Halpern, Mural Program Manager with ArtReach.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
More than 30 custom-painted EVH Wolfgang electric guitars are up for auction as part of ArtWalk @ Liberty Station, San Diego’s annual fine arts exhibition.
An Artful Evening in Del Mar Benefiting the ArtReach Access to Art Program
September 25, 2016
On Sunday, September 25, 2016, 4 to 7 PM, ArtReach will host Party ARTy in a stunning Del Mar home. Now in year four, Party ARTy for ArtReach celebrates connecting students at schools throughout San Diego County with artists and visual arts instruction.
Proceeds from the event benefit the ArtReach Access to Art Program that is the centerpiece of the ArtReach mission: to take artist-led free or very low cost visual arts education programs into K-6 schools that would otherwise have none.
Since 2008, the ArtReach program has motivated over 15,000 students in 96 schools to create over 60,000 pieces of original work. ArtReach takes everything needed to each campus, including teaching artists, art materials, and standards-based lesson plans. No buses required. In 2015/16 alone the ArtReach team worked in 14 schools spanning the county via the free/low cost program and in six more schools with fee-based work. Grants, sponsorships, individual donors and events like Party ARTy support this program that helps bring the joy of making original art to cash-strapped elementary schools that would otherwise have no visual arts instruction.
“ArtReach helps fill the art gap in schools with limited resources across the county,” says Chris Austin Mittleman, Party ARTy Co-Chair, local artist and Solana Beach resident. “ArtReach teachers are practicing artists from the community. It is such a great way to help kids learn art making skills and to practice creative thinking – a skill that helps prepare young people for the workforce.” Chris and fellow Co-Chair and artist Becky Chamberlain (also a Solana Beach resident) are crafting an evening that, though a fundraiser, will feel like a celebration of art and creativity with friends. Susan Taylor, Director of External Affairs at Scripps Health and former NBC news anchor, will orchestrate the fun as Master of Ceremonies.
Event guests are also in for an epicurean treat. Urban Solace makes its catering debut with Party ARTy. Executive Chef/Owner, Matt Gordon and part-owner Lisa Richards have planned a mouth-watering comfort food feast.
Local artists provide the treats for the eyes. Catherine Dzialo-Haller and Deron Cohen (both ArtReach teaching artists) will complete paintings on the spot. Meanwhile, sculptor Jon Koehler will shape metal into a work of beauty. All three pieces will be auctioned live, and three fortunate bidders will take home an original. Speaking of originals, twenty seascapes, created especially for Party ARTy by Jefferson Elementary fourth and fifth graders, will also find new homes with some lucky donors. In fact, brothers Captain and Carter from Jefferson Elementary will be on hand, creating paintings along with the featured artists.
The Boxsets, a local band, will set the musical mood. Each guest will receive a pair of Knockaround Sunglasses, and wine lovers will have the opportunity to win a bottle of fine wine at the toss of a ring. The silent auction features many temptations including a luxury sailboat day cruise, getaways to Rancho Mirage Sonoma, and Disneyland, a Stag’s Leap wine flight, Paella party, and much more.
ArtReach promises a delightful evening filled with art, artists, music, fine food and wine, and fun. To purchase tickets for Party ARTy for ArtReach visit artreachsandiego.org. For information, call 619-940-7278.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
More than 30 custom-painted EVH Wolfgang electric guitars are up for auction as part of ArtWalk @ Liberty Station, San Diego’s annual fine arts exhibition.
