Art Link

The Children's Initiative coordinates the Art Link project for after school programs throughout San Diego County. The Art Link project connects individuals with artistic talents to partner with after school programs to share their enthusiasm, expertise and creations. Focusing on creativity is an important part of youth development, growth, happiness and success. The artists play a critical role by helping introduce youth to what is often their first experience and understanding of arts and culture. The project provides opportunities for after school programs to exhibit and promote youth art so that the youth may become more knowledgeable about all aspects of artistic endeavors including concept, production, marketing and presentation.

Art is displayed throughout San Diego County in places like libraries, coffee shops, churches, government buildings and more with the intent of not only communicating to the public the value of young artists and their talent but also to show the young artists this important avenue for expressing themselves as well as a potential future career path to explore.

Art Link strives to provide a realistic approach to the business of art as a teaching tool. One of the many ways of doing this is through the actual sale of student works. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of youth art is donated back to support the artists after school program. Professional artists are encouraged to co-sponsor venues in support of after school programs. Professional artists, who display their work along side youth art, many times commit a percent of their sales to further support the Art Link Project.

For more information on how your program can participate in the project, contact the Children's Initiative at (858) 581-5880. To schedule a showing or event at your place of business or venue or for more information on volunteering as an artist, please contact Suzanne Penyak at (858) 581-5893.

See the calendar below for upcoming scheduled venues.

Partially funded by: U.S. Bank

Art & Exhibits:

Now underway ... Big Art Community Canvas project!

February '09 Bach Collegium - Second Annual Benefit Gala

March '09 San Diego Cesar E. Chavez Commemorative Breakfast - Convention Center

April - May '09 PianoSD Youth Art Show with Concert - 1233 Camino Del Rio South

May '09 Mission Fair After School Art Show - United Methodist, Chula Vista

May - June '09 Youth Department's Art Show for Middle After School Programs - San Diego Downtown Library - 820 E. St., San Diego CA 92101

June '09 After School Youth Art and Sunset Party - Hyatt Mission Bay

June '09 San Diego County Administration Building - 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101

June - August '09 PianoSD Youth Art Show - 1233 Camino Del Rio South

September - October '09 PianoSD Youth Art Show - 1233 Camino Del Rio South

October '09 Youth Art Show - La Vida Solana Beach

November '09 San Diego County Administration Building - 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101