Evalaya Heads to SAIC Summer 2022!

Chicago IL

01 June, 2022

6:35 PM

Description

Congratulations to Evalaya Smith! Her passion for art has garnered her a well-earned acceptance to SAIC (School of the Art Institute of Chicago). We here at ARS Gallery, Arts and Culture Center couldn't be prouder! Evalaya joined our After-School Youth Program when she was 10 years old and has been part of our ARS family for the past 6 years. Evalaya has participated in everything from our ARS workshops to cooking classes and semi-private lessons. She is currently in our college prep course taught by our teaching artists who guide students while they build portfolios and work towards college.Over the last couple of years, as we all struggled through COVID-19 many underserved youths were hit harder than most can imagine. Many have no other outlet and ARS offers a safe place during crucial after-school hours. We feel the urgency to help youth during these challenging times by offering mentoring, dinners, lessons in art, culture, and more.Part of how ARS contributed was with our Art in a Box Program. Art boxes were distributed to youths at the readiness center throughout the community. Thanks to generous support from local businesses ARS employees and volunteers were able to hand-deliver boxes to students. Along with the art boxes, ARS held virtual and hybrid classes throughout the shut-downs. ARS continues to sell and offer sponsorships through our Art in a Box Program. Stay tuned as we reinvent our boxes for summer! ARS was also able to reach our community with short educational videos to stimulate the young and young at heart.Evalaya was one of many recipients of our Art Boxes and was able to resume her love of art during the pandemic. Despite the circumstances, she continued to move past and persevere. Evalaya is one student since the beginning that has shown a strong aptitude for art. Over the years Evalaya has grown as an artist and continues to develop her personal style and art portfolio. During college prep class, we took a tour of colleges including SAIC which sparked interest in our students, in particular Evalaya. Through our partnership with SAIC, she was able to work towards a scholarship, get admitted, and enroll in their Continuing Studies Summer Program.ARS Gallery, Arts, and Culture would like to thank the many supporters and contributors who helped make this happen. You are all valued members of our arts community. For information on how you can create an impact in our community and make a difference in the lives of local youths, please visit arsartsandculture.org, and email ARS Director Anna at [email protected], or call us at 269.208.4409. Be sure to follow us on IG @galleryartsculturecenter and FB @annarussosiebergallery to stay up to date on all things ARS!