March 2020
In This Issue:


Update from the Executive DirectorEDUpdate
Albert Einstein said, "In the middle of a difficulty lies opportunity." To say the last two weeks have been difficult would be an understatement. When Governor Hogan announced the closure of Maryland public schools all of Art with a Heart's programming immediately ceased. Under ordinary circumstances, Art with a Heart provides 500 classes and 15,000 unique visual art experiences each month. Beginning on March 16, 2020, the organization no longer had fee generating programs. 

Just like any other small business, the longer this crisis lasts, the bigger the concern for the organization, the continued employment of its 15 person team and the continued availability of its 75 independent, contracted teaching artists.

However, it is not in this organization's DNA to sit idle. The Art with a Heart creative team continues to work to implement new ways of connecting, creating, and moving forward. Knowing that research has shown 45 minutes of art a day helps reduce stress and anxiety, Art with a Heart swiftly created easily accessible in home art opportunities for the community that were both free and for purchase. In the last two weeks, Art with a Heart did the following:
  • Made its pop art available both   online to print and for curbside pick up for those who may not have access to internet and/or printers.
  • Launched HeART Kits, innovative, creative projects that can be created at home.
  • Developed concepts for Learning Packets for students to access online and for pick up at schools.
  • Printed 3D face shields for health care workers in partnership with Open Works Makers Unite initiative.
  • The Art of Leadership program has converted its next session to Zoom 
  • Created stay at home kits for its weekly volunteers to help move its public art projects forward and a recipe swap for these community members.
Art with a Heart is grateful to our generous donors who are an important part of our family. Now, more than ever, we are relying on your support to help sustain the organization in the interest of the children and adults who benefit from, and cherish, Art with a Heart's programs. Please make a donation today to ensure that we are able to keep our creative team intact, new initiatives running, and programs at the ready for when we can return to the community who needs us most.

Stay safe and well,

Randi  
HeART Kits!!!HeARTKits
Innovate while we Hibernate!innnovate

Art with a Heart is offering new series of HeART Kits to creatively pass the time. The new kits are pictured below and include:
  • Funky Flamingos
  • Mother's Day Floral Mosaics
  • Decoupage Votives
  • B'More Tote Bags

Select one or all. Great for all ages (supervision and guidance needed for ages 10 and younger). Please note that all proceeds from the sale of the HeART Kits will be used to support the organization, its staff, teachers, and assistants. Available for USPS shipping or personal delivery within a 10 mile radius of 21211. Purchase online at https://shop.artwithaheart.net/
Art of Leadership
The Art of Leadership is Recruiting its 6th Cohort!AOLRecruitment

If you know any current 9th or 10th graders in the Baltimore area who are curious to learn more about social issues facing our city, driven to hone their leadership and advocacy skills, and passionate about having honest conversations across cultural barriers,  please share the application, linked here:  The Art of Leadership Application 2020-2021 .  The application is due on Friday, April 3rd, 2020. 

Click here  for more information about The Art of Leadership.
 
PROGRAMMING
Thinking of our Budding Artists!BuddingArtists

It has only been two weeks and boy, do we miss these faces!  During the month of March, Art with a Heart provided over 15,000 unique visual art experiences in schools, shelters, group homes, community centers, recreation centers, veteran's facilities, hospitals and senior facilities. Students pictured below are from Art with a Heart's in-school and after school programs. Projects covered a multitude of media including: explorations in portraiture, collage, painting and sculpture to name a few and core competencies related to basic shapes, repetition, pattern, and design to execute their creative work! 
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Thank you!ThankYou

Before social distancing, there were still service days. Art with a Heart is grateful for the time and talent of the following service groups during the month of March:  Chapter 2 Women's Group, Impressionists and Penn State Alternative Spring Break.
Heartwares
Create for a Causecreate

Art with a Heart and B-More Engaged co-hosted a Create for a Cause Art Party to support National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Walk MS. Fifty attendees registered and created spring-themed mosaic coasters with stained glass scraps and acrylic bases while also enjoying food and refreshments. The workshop proceeds were split between Art with a Heart and Walk MS. Thank you to Craig Solomon, Julie Wigley, and B-More Engaged for organizing this successful event!











Art with a Heart provides Baltimore's vulnerable children, youth, and adults with 12,000 visual art classes a year in schools, community centers, group homes, shelters, permanent housing facilities, hospitals, and senior facilities.

Since 2000, Art with a Heart has provided its students with access to creative, educational, and positive programming, caring and nurturing adults on a consistent basis, and the chance to embrace new ideas and skills in a safe and structured environment. In an effort to achieve its mission of enhancing the lives of people in need through visual art, Art with a Heart works to harness the benefits of arts education to cultivate positive changes in behavior and general attitudes among its participants. Art with a Heart is steadfast in its commitment to help nurture and grow its students and encourage them to become better communicators, problem solvers, and community members. 
3000 Falls Road | Mill No. 1 | Baltimore, MD 21211