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Stories by mentors, kids and teachers about
their
Art Buddies experience
Nicole, teacher
“At Art Buddies, every child is successful. For some, it’s the
first time they know what success feels like. And they want more
of that feeling, so they work harder in school to get it.”
Shanna, student
“Every time I come to Art Buddies, I feel like I can express
myself in so many ways. Art is like a world waiting for me to
explore it. I feel like I'm in a special Art Wonderland, just me!
Art makes me feel like a good person. Art Buddies is one of the
greatest things that ever happened to me!”
Jay, copywriter
“A smiling kid sure beats a client meeting.”
Gretchen, teacher
“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.”
Ben, photographer
"At first I was nervous, because I was told Tywon had behavior
problems. But, the first day, he sat right down and got to work.
I kept waiting for him to lose interest, throw a fit or kick me in
the shin, but it never happened. He was totally dedicated and
really loved this program!"
Tywon, student
"Me and Ben, we cool like that
Don't really matter that we white and black
Sometimes I be thinkin' how I'm gonna get to school and back
Then I think about Ben
How we cool like that"
Karyn, art director
"My child wanted to be the 'Anti-Drug Chief.' His power was to
keep people off drugs. For me, the anti-drug message has always
been somewhat abstract. Drugs have not been a part of my life,
or of anyone close to me.
But drugs were important to my Buddy, because his life had been profoundly
affected by drugs. Someone very close to him was a recovering drug addict,
so he had experienced first-hand the effects of drug use. I realized how
privileged my life has really been, and how important it is to give back
where or how I can."
Choy, architect
"My child asked me to tell him again about that 'thing' that I do.
I said, 'Architecture.' And he said, 'Yeah, that's what I want to
do when I grow up!' Makes it all worthwhile."
Tricia, muralist
"My child was Somali, and spoke no English. At first she was very
shy and timid, could not look me in the eyes, but by the second
week, our language barrier seemed to disappear. I watched her
open up like a flower and express herself confidently and joyfully,
mostly without words.
As the weeks progressed, she opened up more and more, directing
the project by taking my hand and dragging me to a box of supplies,
or a piece of paper that she wanted to use. There was lots of
laughing. It was so great to reaffirm that language isn't the only
way to communicate!"
Rochelle, teacher
“One-on-one time with a creative adult is priceless.”
Abdul, student
“Now I know you can be more than a basketball player.
You can be a chef, a vet, even an art guy.”
Mark, designer
“How inspiring to see the kids' eyes glowing with imagination
and pride!”
Glen, art director
“The way different children and cultures all mix together is
amazing.”
Ben, illustrator
“I've done a lot of volunteering for different youth art programs.
This is by far the best.”
Lisa, teacher
“The program was fantastic for the kids! They got one-on-one
attention they so desperately need, they created something they
were very proud of, and were engaged in learning 100% of the time.”
Christi, art director
“My child wished we could do Art Buddies all day on Fridays.
When I told her we'll get to see each other next Friday, she said,
"Do you know how far away that is?"”
Nancy, teacher
“It was absolutely wonderful. The students' behavior and
self-esteem has gotten so much better. Because of this, the kids
can increase their time "on task". They have also gotten better
at listening to another adult, and at being respectful. Don't
ever stop this positive program!”
Susan, creative director
“Even after years of learning in the field of advertising, I’m
still learning from these kids.”
Sarah, designer
“I will remember this forever and tell everyone I know about the
program! The people you meet, the brainstorming that happens at
such a young age is out of this world. This may sound hokey, but
Art Buddies really put things in perspective for me. I couldn’t
wait for Fridays!”
Andrew, communications director
“I didn’t realize how much of a bond had developed between me and
my child until Parade Day. My child greeted me with a gi-normous
hug, and it made every hour spent before and after that much more
precious.”
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