Providing specialized programs for youth and adults that weave creative mastery with social and emotional learning to develop their truest potential.
Al & Friends
Monterey, California
Al & Friends, is a nonprofit group that offers hot, wholesome, and nutritious meals to the community’s most vulnerable residents. For the past 12 years, Chef Al Siekert and his volunteers have served a brunch-style breakfast every Sunday. Thanks to a great partnership, Arts4MC’s Arts4Healing program brings the joy of music to Al & Friends, providing gifted musician, Peter Meuse who plays lively music while meals are being served and enjoyed together. The healing property of music
Meals on Wheels “Art & About”
Monterey County
‘Art and About’ is a program that brings music to homebound seniors. For senior citizens, the health benefits of listening to music are incredibly important. On a monthly basis, one of our music teaching artists accompanies Meals on Wheels volunteers on their home delivery route to serenade their clients. The program is improving so many aspects of seniors life – from reducing anxiety to improving physical health and sleep quality to overall mood. Photo by Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley, Inc.
“Fantastic program, thank you for all you do.” -Rural Client
Set Free Monterey Bay
Monterey County
We are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to work with Set Free Monterey Bay (SFMB), an organization that supports survivors of sex trafficking in Monterey County. Ashley Chesney, the Executive Director of SFMB, explains that residents are able to attend classes that provide them with the skills and coping mechanisms they need to rebuild their lives after being exploited. Once a week, Arts4MC provides an Arts4Healing program for SFMB residents with our certified teaching artist. This art class helps residents process their trauma and continue their healing journey.
Sun Street Centers
Marina, Gonzales & King City, California
Beginning in 2020, the Arts Council has partnered with Sun Street Centers to bring our award-winning Arts as Healing programs to at-risk youth and families. At Sun Street Centers’ Gonzales and King City locations, our pre-diversion program for at-risk youth offers first time offenders a chance to manage their emotions, cultivate their potential, and find new direction through the arts. At the Pueblo Del Mar Family Recovery Community Center in Marina, families, from young children to adults, have the opportunity to express themselves and process complex feelings through art projects with specially trained Teaching Artists.
Seniors at CHISPA
Salinas, Marina, and Monterey California
Art can help seniors deal with the difficulties of aging. Through weekly art classes, Arts4MC teaching artists create a welcome and encouraging space for seniors at several CHISPA senior housing complexes. Participating seniors create bonds with their fellow neighbors and gain confidence from learning and exploring a new or rediscovered skill. Here seniors learn painting, jewelry making, embroidery, and so much more. Upon our latest visit, we noticed that the residents have apartments filled with art, and they enjoy attending class every week.
“Art is good for the mind and food for the soul.” — Yolanda, senior participant
Youth at Community Day High School
Seaside, California
Art and music programs are critical for our youth. Studies show that the arts increase academic performance, improve memory and boost young minds. For these reasons and dozens more, the Arts Council provides art programs for youth at Community Day High School. Arts4MC teaching artist plays music for her students as inspiration while they work to create art. Teaching students to work at their own pace so creativity flows naturally.
“Art is relaxing. I only get art here; no opportunities at home.”
— Jason, youth participant
Veterans Transition Center
Marina, California
Through this program, we provide a meaningful creative outlet for veterans transitioning back from homelessness. We believe that this project helps our participating veterans build resilience and gives them a renewed sense of hope and possibility, for themselves and others. Together with the Veterans Transition Center, Arts4MC teaching artist provides hands-on learning sessions and assists with the development of a professionally-curated art exhibition.
“The paintbrush allows the inner me to come out.” — Hunter, veteran participant
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