Arts for All
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
ArtStartSeeking funds to offer a multitude of affordable arts experiences reaching into diverse communities.
$650
raised by 9 people
$400 goal
Summer Art and Culture Camp-A Slice of History
ArtStart's Summer Cultural Arts Immersion Camp began in 1992 at the University of St. Thomas and was held in Albertus Magnus Science Hall on the third floor. Our greatest challenge was not finding artists to teach, but keeping the children away from third floor windows which had to be kept open because there was no air conditioning. Albertus Magus Hall has changed and so has our summer camp from adding teen interns, many of whom have been with us since age 4, to growing in our awareness of cultural authenticity.
Nearly 30 years later with journeys through the arts to every continent in the world, our 2021 camp "Passport to Japan" has a history. Offered in 1999 and again in 2005 and 2012, the culture of Japan is always such an inspiration with nature as a focal point of many Japanese art forms. The accompanying photo of our 2005 camp shows youth on a field trip to the Japanese Gardens, Como Park in preparation for their art classes.
For me, this camp is the culmination of years of trying to develop a cultural arts experience for youth that does not appropriate another culture-a program that brings exceptional teaching artists from that culture to present learning as authentically as possible while also utilizing our roster teaching artists, many of whom have significant background in a culture.
Not all may know that the City of Saint Paul is the Sister City to Nagasaki,Japan and that many St. Paul cultural organizations, including the Saint Paul Civic Symphony, work tirelessly to keep this connection alive. One of our steadfast artists teaching this summer, Linda Hashimoto, is a true ambassador of Japanese art and culture as both the founder of Sansei Yonsei Kai Dance Ensemble and as a member of the Nagasaki Sister City committee. We are so lucky to have Linda onboard!
As the founder and Executive Director of ArtStart I have seen some amazing changes over nearly 33 years of shepherding the organization. We have always put learners first regardless of age in the belief that the arts well-taught empower us all to see the world with new eyes, celebrate multiple perspectives, and help each of us say what cannot be said in any other way than through personal and creative expression. As a life-long learner and career educator, I feel so fortunate to see the pledge given to my mother as she laying dying of cancer come to fruition. That is, all that she and my father gave to me-a wealth of experience in the arts-would be honored and passed on to other children. It was at this moment the flame of ArtStart was ignited and hopefully will continue to burn brightly.
In more than three decades, we’ve seen thousands of children explore new ideas, learn about cultures different from their own, build confidence as they learn new skills and art forms, and connect with other kids and artists. This last year we’ve continued to build community among artists, children, and with adults — through our dynamic art programs offered online and Creativity Kits through our ArtScraps Reuse Center. Through the power of art, we created connections and healing during a time when loneliness and stress have affected so many.
Why your gift matters
Your investment directly impacts our ability to continue to offer all of our diverse and creative programs for preschoolers through adults. You help us give access to classes and camps to all students through our scholarship program. With your donation, you’ll help a child experience environmental and cultural exploration and learning through the arts!
We’re giving free Creativity Kits to all donors who give $100 or more.
With every donation ArtStart is eligible for GiveMN prizes-$250-$1000!