Arts10566

ife. Through a caring network of artists with community ties to Peekskill, this program began by serving 20 children in 2013 through the generosity of a small grant made by the founding director to the Garrison Arts Center. Within 3 years, the program has grown to provide arts education to over 100 children, ages 6 through 18, in safe and accessible spaces every day. In a city struggling with the social problems of poverty, substance abuse, violence and struggling schools, the arts provide tools for children to cope with the day –to- day realities of their own lives through the exposure to and the excitement of creating and experiencing art in their own neighborhood. The reaction of students and families and the desire for local artists to get involved with our efforts has inspired Arts 10566 to solidify and expand the presence and availability of this program. We have since added dance, drama and voice. When children engage in activities, guided and mentored by working artists, we provide them with an opportunity to think differently about the world and the possibilities around them.