Art Matters is a program designed to provide free art experiences to at-risk in the Henrico Police Athletic League (PAL). Annually, Henrico PAL touches the lives of over 1,500 at-risk youth between the ages of 6 and 18 through educational, athletic, and social programs while creating a positive relationship between police officers and youth. Through Art Matters, The Cultural Arts Center and Henrico PAL are working together to expand PAL programming to include art, music, and theatre classes and summer camps.
Art Matters was launched in the spring of 2012 with a modest budget, offering free Center Season tickets to some performances. Over the summer 300 students enjoyed a special interactive concert performed by local singer Desiree Roots and the Make Music with Me Band. The children learned about patterns and rhythms, the evolution of music from blues & jazz to hip hop, and how songs are written. Experiencing live music in a theatre energized the kids, who had to get out of their seats and dance.
We are excited to offer free art lessons and activities during Henrico PAL's after-school program at Harvie and Maude Trevette Elementary Schools. Art Matters…After School began in February 2013, serving close to 100 students through an 18-week arts enrichment program. Students enjoyed fun hands-on art and craft projects while learning about culture, history, and important art movements. At the end of each art lesson students will have a completed project, from origami creations to mosaic art, to take home.
Art Matters will use art's transformative powers to effect positive change in the lives PAL students. As Henrico PAL's Executive Director Sergeant Ragland says, “every child is ‘at risk' to some degree.” PAL gives students the tools to become successful not only as students and athletes, but as citizens. Bringing the arts to PAL students will give them one more tool, one more avenue for success and growth. Through this program, students will learn that art matters and more importantly, that they matter.
The generous support of the following partners helps make Art Matters possible:
If you would like to assist with this program through a monetary donation, please send checks to:
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen
P.O. Box 1249
Glen Allen, VA 23060.
Checks can be made out to CACGA. Please note that the donation is for Art Matters. Thank you for helping to make this valuable program a success!
