Help us keep bringing creative joy to children!

We hope you’ll support our work with a contribution. Your gift will help kids discover their creativity, boost their confidence, inspire them to come to school and increase their motivation to learn.

Art Buddies taps the enormous energy and talent of volunteers from all sorts of creative fields, and pairs them—- one-on-one—- with deserving kids.

Watch our video to see what your dollars can do!

What the experts know about our program

The people who work with the kids every day — their teachers, supervisors and parents — confirm the positive impact of Art Buddies. Over the years, here is what they’ve told us:

Art Buddies empowers kids.

Teachers tell us that by forming a positive relationship with a creative mentor, someone who nurtures their spirits, the kids experience a big boost in self-esteem.

Davonte, a boy with a rough home life and no dad, had not worked or cooperated in school for 2 years. His teacher was amazed to see his transformation in Art Buddies, to watch him bond with his mentor and feel joy and pride in his achievement.

LaKeisha, a homeless, depressed girl, got her spirit back after being in Art Buddies. She was paired with a wonderful mentor who made her smile again. She told her teachers how much she loved Art Buddies, how it helped her feel more cheerful and confident.

Art Buddies motivates kids to learn.

One father told us, “Before Art Buddies, my boy got 2’s and 3’s on his spelling tests. After Art Buddies, he got 12’s. He felt so proud of himself in your program, he started trying harder in school!”

A teacher said, “At Art Buddies, every child is successful. For some, it’s the first time they know what success feels like. They want more of that feeling, so they work harder in school to get it.”

Art Buddies increases school attendance.

Our program is so popular with students, school attendance goes UP on Art Buddies days. One teacher said, “All week long, the kids talked about how excited they were to see their Art Buddy again.”

The After-School coordinator told us we had the highest attendance rate of all her programs — which is rare for a group as large as ours.

Art Buddies improves behavior and social skills.

Teachers repeatedly warned us about problem behavior with their kids. Then, during Art Buddies, they were astounded to see huge improvement in their students’ conduct.

“Kids who were having a horrible day—-cussing, wrestling, goofing off—-suddenly changed at the door to Art Buddies. I think it’s the one-on-one attention. They really need that,” said one teacher.

Art Buddies helps kids plan ahead and stay on task.

Teachers report that students gain valuable life-skills in Art Buddies by learning to create and execute a plan, and by learning to focus on a task over a long period of time.

“Most of these kids don’t know how to do that,” one teacher told us. “The goal-setting and execution skills they develop in Art Buddies can help them succeed in life.”

Art Buddies introduces kids to creative careers. 

Teachers know the value of expanding a child’s view of their future. Most of the kids have no idea that the TV ad they’re watching, or the logo on their sneakers, represents a JOB. Our mentors show the kids it’s possible to make a good living by being creative.

Your gift will make a difference!

In the fall of 2011, we expanded Art Buddies to serve twice as many kids. Your gift will help keep our expansion going.
 All contributions are 100% tax-deductible. Thanks for your support!
 

Donate by Mail

Send your check to:
Art Buddies
2840 Bryant Ave. S, Suite 405
Minneapolis, MN 55408

Donate Online

Click on the Network for Good banner below.

Ask for donations in your honor

For your special occasion, would you like friends and family to donate to Art Buddies, instead of giving a conventional gift? Details coming soon.