VISALIA, CA — Arts Visalia received a $5,000 grant from the Save Mart Cares Foundation on Feb. 6 to support its youth initiatives. The formal check presentation took place at the Arts Visalia Visual Art Center at 214 E. Oak Avenue.
Along with the grant, the foundation gave a $500 gift card for snacks and drinks for students in the program.
The funding will support the "Young at Art" program, which provides hands-on instruction for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 17. Local artist instructors lead these classes, which cover art history, diverse traditions, and various artistic techniques. Besides teaching art skills, the program gives kids a creative outlet to build confidence and support their mental health.
To make sure classes are affordable for all families, Arts Visalia offers full and partial scholarships. The organization uses the grant to help children who might not otherwise be able to attend art classes. The next session of youth art classes is scheduled to begin this March.
Established in 1996, Arts Visalia is a non-profit visual arts center that hosts gallery exhibitions and community events for artists throughout Tulare County. The organization aims to improve life in the community by supporting and sharing the arts.
Families and community members interested in learning more about upcoming classes or scholarship opportunities can find more information at www.artsvisalia.org.
