What We Do

Art Buddies pairs kind adults with children from the Twin Cities highest needs schools for creative one-to-one mentorship programs.

Art Buddies helps kids connect with their imagination, be encouraged to believe in themselves, be inspired to share their ideas, and to learn creative skills and problem solving. Watch our video to see Art Buddies in action!

Creative Mentors

Mentors are caring, kind, adults, who work one-to-one with a child during hands-on creative programming, Penpal programming, and through community outreach.

Apply to be an Art Buddies mentor here

Students in the Twin Cities

We partner with high-need schools, organizations, and community centers in Minneapolis & St. Paul to work with students ages 8-11.

PROGRAMS

Join us as an Art Buddy mentor in our weekly after-school programs, which last approximately 8 to 10 weeks every fall and spring. At each school, we match up to 20 creative volunteers — one-to-one — with up to 20 students.

We partner with schools in the Twin Cities, including Whittier International Elementary, Lucy Laney Elementary, Hall STEM Academy, Ella Baker Elementary, and Bancroft Elementary in Minneapolis, and Barack & Michelle Obama Elementary in St. Paul.

Character Creation Program

Our mentors and students work together to create a one of a kind character and costume based on the child’s imagination and hopes — along the way, we spark imagination and build confidence. With the help and guidance of their creative mentors, our little buddies are able to use their imaginations, build connection, creative skills, problem solving… and joy!

• In-person program

• Work with students age 8-11

• Connect with your buddy for 1 hour every week for a period of 8 - 10 weeks

• Create a character and costume using our huge collection of art supplies

• Celebrate your creation & participate in a costume parade, presentation, and professional photo shoot

• Minneapolis Public School Locations:

  • Whittier International Elementary

  • Bancroft Elementary

  • Lucy Laney Community School

  • Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary

  • Hall STEM Academy

  • Ella Baker Elementary

Join us as an Art Buddy Penpal! Connect with our elementary scholars via snail mail. You and your little buddy will receive a special Art Buddies Penpal Activity Book complete with activities like coloring pages, story writing, comic strips, and creating a Super Buddy character! Mentors will send weekly letters encouraging and assisting their buddy through the Penpal Activity Book. All materials are provided by Art Buddies for you to personalize!

• Work with students age 8-11

• Send your buddy one letter and craft every week for a period of 8 weeks

• Receive postcards from your buddy in the mail

• Mentors receive all materials and full support from Art Buddies staff

Community Outreach

Art Buddies Ambassadors have brought over 20,000 Activity Kits to children at Head Start, Minneapolis and St Paul Public Schools, homeless shelters and encampments, and community outreach events. We also attend community events at farmer’s markets, art fairs and Global Market. It is important for children to know that their ideas and creativity and community matter!