Every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. The Art is for Everybody Fund exists to help youth and teens from low-income homes attend programs at RCA’s welcoming, affirming studio.

Since 2022, RCA's summer programs have been a safe, creative place for kids and teens who often have difficulty "fitting the mold" in traditional settings. We are proud to be a space serving neurodivergent and queer-identifying kids, using art as the vehicle to let them express themselves, share their story, try something new, and build connections with peers who value them just as they are. It's also our privilege each year to offer scholarships to youth whose families face economic hardship, breaking down financial barriers to these programs where we can. Last summer over 40% of the kids who came to Youth Summer Studios could only attend thanks to a scholarship, more than 13% over the year before. But as the need for financial help increases so do the demands on our budget, and once again we are leaning on our community's generosity to help bridge that gap.

Help us reach 25 new monthly donors committed to giving $5 towards the Art is for Everybody Fund!

But how do we mean to accomplish this you ask? Why, through doodling of course! Each spring RCA has held it's annual Doodle-a-thon, a free event celebrating youth art with workshops, raffles, snacks, music, and most-notably 30 feet of doodling space! And special for 5th anniversary we've decided to take it on tour and have not one, not two, but THREE events between March and April:

March 14th - DONE! We'll see you next...

April 12th, 4:30-6:30pm - Focus on Maple Street Artists at South Church UCC

Celebrate creativity, doodling, and support Springfield’s youngest artists!
30ft of doodling space
Prizes and Doodling Competition
Snacks, Music, Dancing

April 25th, 12-3pm - Closing Event at Eastworks in Easthampton

1st floor:

Drop-Off Material Donations for the RCA Studio
Dive into 30ft of Doodling Space
Raffle Prizes
Snacks, Music, Dancing, Craft Kits for purchase

RCA Studio:

DIY Tie-Dye
DIY Mosaic Tiles (on going)
1 PM Workshop with Allie the Brave
Discounted registration for upcoming programs

All events are free and attended by intergenerational audiences, with support from local businesses and corporate sponsors. So bring the whole fam to one or more Doodle-a-thons, help us support and celebrate youth artists in need, and make a donation today...

Because art IS for everybody!

Doodle-a-thon 2026