In response to the pandemic, Art Buddies created a new program for our scholars who are participating in distance learning, and for the classrooms and schools where we cannot be in person. Just this past year we have reached over 500 scholars. This new program pairs students and mentors - following our traditional one-to-one mentorship mission, and includes 10 weeks of letters and crafts to and from our Penpal buddy pairs. This program makes our children who are Distance Learning feel connected and important. Their ideas and feelings matter! This new program has proven to be an incredible success in these trying times.
At the end of our 10 weeks, we host an hour long in-person Penpal party where mentors and buddies can meet each other to create a bright and beautiful sign. Designed by local Artist Jaimie Chismar of All Are Welcome Here, the decorated signs then fill the hallways of the school - celebrating creativity and connection.
