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"The Drawing Board" Newsletter
Spring/Summer 2004
“Kids Summer Celebration” Features Beloved Star of TV and Literature at Young At Art
Arthur’s World(TM), the national touring exhibition based on the PBS children’s television series and popular Marc Brown books, will open at Young At Art Children’s Museum Saturday, June 19, 2004. Developed for children and families to share reading, imagination and fun, Arthur’s World uses creative environments to bring to life the characters and settings seen on TV and in books.
In Arthur’s World, children engage in role-playing and reading activities in their favorite Arthur settings. The exhibit includes Mr. Ratburn’s Classroom, the Elwood City Library, The Read Family Kitchen and The Backyard Sleepover. Children can even dance in front of a ChromaKey wall that inserts them into some favorite Arthur TV scenes. Exciting, Arthur-related activities are designed to reinforce the messages behind the Arthur book character and television series: that being smart and into books is cool; and that kids face, and can resolve, real-life dilemmas.
“We are so thrilled to work with Marc Brown to bring Arthur’s World to South Florida,” said Executive Director Mindy Shrago. “So many children care about and identify with the Arthur characters. Through Arthur’s World, we hope to foster a love of reading and storytelling in young children.”
 Created by Brown, Arthur is an eight-year-old, who, along with his little sister D.W. and their friends and family, has been beloved by children since 1976. Today there are dozens of Arthur titles and more than 52 million books in print, and the Arthur television program airs daily on PBS. Featuring stories about the challenges of childhood (such as looking and feeling different, sibling rivalry, taking care of a pet, or making new friends), Arthur illustrates problem-solving and communication skills, as well as the importance of self-respect and respect for others.
“I’m delighted that children truly can enter Arthur’s World all over the country on this national tour,” said Brown. “I have enjoyed seeing children interact with Arthur and the stories in the exhibit, and have enjoyed offering kids the chance to learn, grow, and best of all, have fun with him in his home environment.”
Arthur’s (TM) World © 2004 The Children’s Museum of Boston, WGBI-I and Marc Brown. All underlying Arthur materials, including all artwork, border designs, setting for Arthur books, and Arthur characters are trademarks of Marc Brown and are used with the permission of Marc Brown and WGBH.
Kids Summer Celebration Events with Arthur!
All events take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Museum unless otherwise noted and are included free with paid admission (and always free for Members!)
- Friday, June 18 - “Arthur’s World” Members Opening Celebration
- Saturday, June 19 - “Arthur’s World” Exhibit Grand Opening, 10 am
- Sunday, June 20: Dad’s Day - Design a very cool tie for one cool Dad! Dads are admitted free when accompanied by a child. All ages.
- Sunday, June 27 - “Arthur’s World” Puppet Show! Art’s on stage during this fun-filled performance. All ages.
- Sunday, July 4 - The Reading Rocket Show! Blast off on a magical journey with Arthur and celebrate Independence Day! Ages 5+.
- Sunday, July 11 - Arthur Live! Pose for a special autographed picture with Arthur. All ages.
- Saturday, July 17 - Darkroom Magic. Join Arthur in the photo lab to see what develops. Ages 7+.
- Sunday, July 18 - Library Adventures. Visit Arthur’s Town Library and check out some of his favorite books! All ages.
- Sunday, July 2 - Flip Out with Arthur! You’re the animator when you bring Arthur to life through flip book design. Ages 7+.
- Sunday, August 1 - Drawing on Character. Guest Artist Miss Lila sketches a caricature of you and Arthur. All ages.
- Sunday, August 8 - Puppets to Go! Join in an exciting performance with Arthur as the Master of Ceremonies. All ages.
- Sunday, August 15 - Beyond the Pages. Design a book with papermaking artist, Kevin Kitchar. Ages 8+.
- Sunday, August 22 - Sun Fun with Arthur! Create shining images of the South Florida sun with model magic clay. All ages.
Children Just Like Me Exhibit Loved by South Florida; on to Next Venue
 The Museum was packed with groups and school children exploring “Children Just Like Me” at Young At Art this winter and spring. They learned all about the diversity, and similarities, of the world’s children. The exhibit has moved on to its next stop: San Antonio, Texas. In addition to presenting sponsor JM Family Enterprises, Young At Art extends special thanks to these major sponsors who made its South Florida showing possible:
    
From The Executive Director Mindy Shrago
May 2004 marks Young At Art’s 15th anniversary. We are proud to serve an integral and exciting part of Broward’s educational and cultural community over these years and prouder of never wavering from making you and your children our top priority — at the heart of every decision we make regarding programs, exhibitions, events and expansion.
Fifteen years ago Young At Art stood virtually alone advocating for a greater emphasis on children’s art education. We knew then what scores of current research studies now indicate — that exposure to the arts builds self-esteem, self-confidence, critical thinking skills and creativity, and improves a child’s ability to learn in school as well as throughout his or her life.
We are delighted to celebrate our 15th anniversary with an exceptional array of “Kids Summer Celebration” events presented by Target Stores and sponsored by American Express, BankAtlantic, WPBT-Channel 2 Kidz Vision, Nordstrom, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, Broward Cultural Division and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
After an incredible Children’s Festival of the Arts kick off May 8th, we continue the celebration in June with the national tour of Arthur’s World. We invite you to join us throughout the summer as we celebrate the joy of reading, art and storytelling through puppet shows, an art and reading series at libraries throughout Broward, plus workshops in photography, ceramics, drawing and painting.
As we look back over the past 15 years, we celebrate the impact we have made upon the children of South Florida and the position we have attained in the community because of our programs. Young At Art is recognized as the top ranked children’s museum in the state, the best museum in the nation for specialty arts, a leader in arts advocacy in the schools, a creator of ground-breaking programs for homeless children, and recipient of a 2003 National Leadership Grant Award from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services for the impact of our programs and potential to serve as a national model.
We thank you for making the past 15-year journey both satisfying and successful, and promise an even more incredible journey for you and your family in the years ahead.
“Art-rageous” Summer Camp Enrolling Now!
Young At Art Children’s Museum is offering 10 weeks of Summer Art Camp this year in one-week sessions starting June 14. Each week presents a different theme explored through a variety of art forms and media. Classes run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Special guests, who bring another exciting element to Camp, are scheduled each week.
Open to ages 5 to 12, camp fees remain at $150 per week for Museum Members and $175 per week for non-Members. After-Camp Enrichment is available by the week ($50 Members; $65 non-Members), 3 to 5 p.m. Sign up early to avoid disappointment as weeks fill up quickly. Full payment must be received with your reservation to guarantee your space. A 10% Sibling Discount is offered for sisters and brothers enrolled at the same time. (Sorry, but cousins, neighbors and best buddies do not qualify!) Sign up online today to avoid disappointment!
Museum’s ArtREACH Homeless Program Breaks Ground
The following is excerpted from an article in the April 2004 national After-School Advocate publication which featured Young At Art’s homeless outreach program funded by the federal Institute of Museum & Library Services. The program has received a great deal of attention, as well as generous local matching support from the A.D. Henderson Foundation, School Board of Broward County, Jim Moran Foundation, Peacock Foundation, Community Foundation of Broward, Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs, Winn Dixie Foundation, and the Ted and JoAnn Pass Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward. Denny’s, Nabisco and MacArthur Dairy have provided generous, ongoing in-kind support.
"This program is a blessing. They come home so excited.” That’s what Jenny Malcolm, mother of three daughters, recently told a Sun-Sentinel reporter. What makes the afterschool program she was describing uncommon is that the home to which her girls come at the end of the day is a transitional shelter for homeless families.
Like the other residents of the Salvation Army’s Plymouth Colony shelter in Hollywood, Florida, Malcolm holds down a job; in fact, it’s a requirement for residents. But her paycheck doesn’t stretch far enough to pay for an apartment, so the shelter program is helping get her family back on their feet. Her daughters, in the meantime, attend the “ArtREACH” afterschool program run at the shelter by Young At Art Children’s Museum.
ArtREACH (Reconnecting and Educating homeless Adolescents through Creativity and Hope) is the product of a collaboration among the museum, the Salvation Army, and the School Board of Broward County, and is funded by a two-year, $185,000 federal grant from the Institute of Museum & Library Services. Young At Art has secured an additional $80,000 in matching grants. The program is seen as a pilot effort, and the museum’s experience running it will be the basis of a handbook for broad dissemination, beginning next year.
“One of the most striking things for me was being reminded of just how many young kids are in homeless shelters,” says project director Samuel Joseph. “We’ve tried to design the program to use the arts not just to create beautiful artwork, but to help gain access to some subject areas with the kids that they might not otherwise get to.” So, the program’s first art assignment required children to design their own “artistic license.”
“We gave them some background on ‘what is art,’ and we wanted them to experience that creative freedom, to not get locked into having to color within the lines.”
The art projects all relate to the school district’s character education curriculum, so children work in a variety of media to create art that depicts individual character traits such as integrity, respect and self-control.
The program runs every day from 2 to 6 p.m. in spaces provided at the shelter complex.  It now serves 27 children daily, with capacity to expand to 60. Children are bused from nearby schools – eight in all, are fed a snack, and then rotate between three activities: homework assistance led by certified teachers from the school district; the arts-based curriculum; and outdoor recreation. The program also offers counseling for students once a week. Once a month, students visit the Museum itself for more hands-on arts activities.
Joseph says that the program has also had an important impact on the Museum. “It’s really given us a chance to live up to our commitment to serving the community, including those in greatest need,” he says, “and has provided us the opportunity to make an even more profound impact and change lives for the better.”
Women of Vision Supporters Celebrate the Launch of the Museum’s 15th Year Aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Summit
 On February 23, 2004, Young At Art Children’s Museum hosted the seventh annual Women of Vision celebration. Hosted by Celebrity Cruises, SouthTrust Bank and The Leo Goodwin Foundation, the event was a grand success raising $53,000 in support of the Museum and its at-risk youth programs. Attendees enjoyed a luxurious lunch aboard Celebrity’s magnificent ship, Summit, and were presented with beautiful sterling silver rings created and designed by the Museum’s Resident Artist, Chisseko of Kenya.
Led by Women of Vision Chair, Commissioner Lori Nance Parrish, the Women of Vision came together to celebrate the creative spirit in all children and the beginning of Young At Art’s 15th year. This group of community leaders is dedicated to creating opportunities for children from all socio-economic levels that motivate learning, promote cultural tolerance and enrich their lives. Since it was launched in 1997, Women of Vision has raised more than $350,000 to benefit the children and families of South Florida.
For information regarding the program and how you can be part of the Women of Vision, please email Diane Weinbrum or call 954-424-0085 x12.
2004 Women of Vision
Commissioner Robin Bartleman/City of Weston, Linda Bodenhamer, Holly Hudson Bodenweber
Mindy Borkson, Cindy Cossin, Allen C. Harper/Esslinger, Wooten & Maxwell, Constance Folz, Christine Forman, Marta Friedman, Mindy Gentile, Linda Gill, Francie Bishop Good, Martina Hopkins/American Express, Norma Horvitz, Jeannie Hudson, Babette Kosar, Cathy Laystrom, Diane Leighton, Dr. Wendy Masi, Vickie McDonald, Anthony Mijares, Jr./United Homes, Robbin Newman, Holland & Knight, Amy Ostrau, Jose Pagan, UBS PaineWebber, Commissioner Lori Nance Parrish, Debbie Perry/Centerline Homes, Penny Phillips/Royal Caribbean International & Celebrity Cruises, Mary Riedel/Sun-Sentinel, Sally Robbins, Maya Ezratti Rosenblum/GL Homes, Eris Sandler/SouthTrust Bank, Senator Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Lynn Shatas/FP&L, Mindy Shrago, Esther Shrago, Siebert Brandford Shank & Company, Dr. Wilma Siegel, Gisele Spechler, Linda Stepenovitch, Ruth Tupler, Linda Voigt, Cynthia Weinbrum, Gail Weinbrum/Antiquities, Westside Regional Medical Center, Janeen Wietgrefe, Hazen & Sawyer PA, Charles S. Wolfe, Holly Wyman, Martine Zinn/The Craig Zinn Automotive Group, Donna Zoley/The GEO Group
Attention Scouts: New Patch Program Created for Art Adventure!
Young At Art has a brand-new patch available for Brownies and Juniors! Troops are invited to come learn about and experience different processes and media used in the creation of art to earn the “Art-rageous Adventure” Patch. The program includes a Kenny Scharf tour, Day-Glow Monoprinting and a Fantasy Sculpture Workshop. Contact Alanna at x10 to schedule your troop’s visit!
Children’s Artwork to be Featured on Phone Books
The new BellSouth phone books will be coming out with covers displaying artwork created by local children. Young At Art teamed up with WinterFest for the contest in which children were challenged to depict a nautical theme for the annual holiday boat extravaganza. Callers will touch art every time they reach for The Real Yellow Pages in the coming year, thanks to partnership with The Herald, BellSouth and the Cingular Wireless Winterfest Boat Parade. The artwork will also be displayed nationally on “The Real Yellow Pages” website which receives more than a million hits daily.
Contributions Update
Young At Art extends its appreciation to the following corporate, foundation, individual, and government entities for their support.
$25,000 and above
- Target Stores, Children’s Festival of the Arts and Arthur’s World
- Broward County Commissioners, Broward Cultural Council and Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, General Operating and Tourism Project
$20,000 and above
- A.D. Henderson Foundation, ArtREACH
- Community Foundation of Broward, ArtREACH and Technology Development
- Jim Moran Family Foundation, ArtREACH
$15,000 and above
- American Express, Arthur’s World
$10,000 and above
- Leo Goodwin Foundation Inc., Women of Vision, Annual Gala
- SouthTrust Bank, Children’s Festival of the Arts, Women of Vision and Annual Gala
- Office Depot Company, ArtREACH
$5,000 and above
- Washington Mutual, Professional Development Workshop Series
- Craig Zinn Automotive Group, Annual Gala
- Salomon Smith Barney, A member of Citigroup, Playspace
- JM Family Enterprises, Children Just Like Me
- Town of Davie, General Support
- BankAtlantic Foundation, Arthur’s World
- AT&T, Conversations from the Hut
- Winn Dixie Stores, ArtREACH and Annual Gala
$2,500 and above
- Coca-Cola, Exhibitions
- Ted & JoAnn Pass Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward, ArtREACH
- Publix Super Markets Charities, Annual Gala and Conversations from the Hut
$2,000 and above
- Nordstrom, Arthur’s World
$1,500 and above
- Hudson Family Foundation, Annual Gala
- JM Family Enterprises, Annual Gala
- Cindy Cossin & Lee Gottlieb, Annual Gala
$500 and above
- Wal-Mart Foundation, Children’s Festival of the Arts
Individual Contributions
- Vivian Fazio, Sharon Fein, Susan & Denis McQuillen, Mirtha Orue Muller, Stacy Ostrau, Sonia Perez
Endowment Contributions
- Lanny & Linda Altshuler, Dennis & Felice Brandt, Dawn Costello, Edward & Angelakis Cronauer, Double E. Contracting, Dr. & Mrs. Eric Freling, Junior Achievement of South Florida, Daniel & Kristin Kanner, Lake Tennis, Inc., Nacht, Trumpkin Babyak & Wilent DDS, PA, Edward & Rosalyn Reiner, Ronald & Cheri Rothschild, Ethle Seow, Heather Winters, Mark & Deborah Rosenthal
In-Kind Contributions
- Chef Paul & McFatter Institute, Keith Chianerini, Costumes, Etc., Gilmore Associates, MacArthur Dairies, Nabisco, NationsRent, Nichelle Notabartolo, Eileen Pokorny, Waste Management
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