CELEBRATING OUR YOUTH

Since 2017 The Visual Arts Center (VAC) has offered youth art programs as part of our mission "To Inspire, Explore, Create & Promote the Visual Arts". Charlotte County youth can attend afterschool, Saturday and summer camp programs. These programs are open to all for a minimal fee or free. Young artists from the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA can attend at no charge through our scholarship program.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

When you donate to our Young at Art programs you are helping budding artists ages eight to eighteen explore visual arts. This includes pottery, fiber arts, and painting classes with acrylic and watercolors. In the Summer of 2023 over 550 kids were served and loved it so much we had a waiting list. This prompted us to find an additional space for a second classroom. With the demand for more classes we remodeled our library and turned it into a 6th classroom for additional instruction space for both adults and children. Our Executive Director, Lisa Gallucci, shares that "we need your help to provide funds for scholarships so there are no kids left not creating art. Not all schools have art programs so the Visual Arts Center is adding classes to help fill this gap. Not only do the youth have an opportunity to create, they spend time with other blossoming artists their age who share their interest". Your donation allows young people to attend the Young at Art programs for free, or at a reduced fee. For example every $100 provides a week of summer camp for one young person in need.

One summer camp parent said, "So much diversity in the programs. Great way to learn new techniques and meet new kids".

Another parent shared, "I could never afford to have my son do something like this without the support I received. My son had one of the biggest smiles I've ever seen when he showed me his painting".

DISASTERS DON'T STOP THE ARTS...OR MUSIC

For many non-profits in our area Covid, Hurricane Ian and Tropical Storm Nicole created challenges to meeting the needs of our communities and youth. The Visual Arts Center was not immune from these events. In 2021 we were unable to provide programs due to Covid and in 2022 and 2023 the VAC facilities have faced over $250,000 in uninsured damage from storms. Our Community Engagement Manager, Kelly Steiner, shared that "many families continue to rebuild or are living paycheck to paycheck. The VAC is not immune to the disasters faced in the area but we have continued to provide the Young at Art program as an avenue for young people to express their fears, hopes and goals. We have opened our doors and created a safe place to create art and meet like minded friends, but donations are needed to meet the demand for scholarships and to continue to rebuild and expand our youth programs".

Music Appreciation through Art instructor, Brandon, stated, "This summer I had the opportunity to work with the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda for their summer program. I provided sessions teaching kids about the double bass and connecting visual art with music and drawings through jazz music. I had a wonderful time working with all the students as it was extremely important to this community and I was highly impressed with all the different features the center has to offer the youth."

YOUNG AT ART AND THE FUTURE

Give now! Continue the tradition of the arts being a part of children's lives and support aspiring artists.

As Harpist and summer instructor, Saralyn, said, "I saw so many ages and different personalities growing and learning. The first day I observed the clay class as I was tuning my harp. I wanted to join the class as they were having SO MUCH FUN! Sometimes I shared Debussy and sometimes they shared Taylor Swift...as they told me stories of their (clay) animals, and we learned about music together. I was very honored to see and witness this. Thank you so much for making this possible both for the instructor and the campers."

The Visual Arts Center serves Charlotte County, and beyond with three major galleries, 6 classrooms, jewelry, glass, pottery, fiber & technology studios, an extensive arts library, Gift Gallery, Art and Supply Store and VAC logo items. Our 12,000 square foot facility provides the best art classes, instructors and exhibit opportunities for the community. Our courses are designed for all ages and skill levels and we offer classes and workshops in a variety of arts media throughout the year.

The CHARLOTTE COUNTY ART GUILD, INC. DBA VISUAL ARTS CENTER is a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization Dedicated to the Creation and Enjoyment of the Arts.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) OR www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE." FLORIDA REGISTRATION CH1731.

SUPPORTING YOUNG AT ART

The Visual Arts Center Youth Art Programs & Summer Camps

Team Members