Free Arts NYC provides programs that are mobile, making it possible for our volunteers to bring creativity and hope directly into the communities where there is the greatest need. Free Arts NYC provides under-served children and families with a unique combination of educational arts and mentoring programs that help them to foster the self-confidence and resiliency needed to realize their fullest potential.
Our core programs use painting, dance, drama, writing, music, sculpture, photography and other creative outlets to help children express themselves and gain confidence and self-esteem. Working with trained volunteers and professional facilitators, Free Arts programs allow young people to gain self-confidence and strengthen their relationships with their peers, parents, guardians and mentors.
Since 1998, founding Director Liz Hopfan has taken the nonprofit from a budget of $100,000 to over $1,400,000. Free Arts NYC volunteers have now served over 22,000 children and families.
For more information about Free Arts NYC or if you would like to become a member, volunteer or donate directly, visit Free Arts NYC.
Thank you for join us at the recent 11th Annual Free Arts Benefit and Auction, including artwork from ECA Artist, Rosalind Schneider. Your support makes these programs possible.

Creative Arts Workshops for Kids (CAW) is a Northern Manhattan-based not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that teaches visual and performing arts to empower children to create change in their communities and their lives.
Creative Arts Workshops for Kids programs include: Saturday, After-School and Summer Art Works. Each is focused on helping economically disadvantaged youth improve their leadership, critical thinking and public speaking skills while enriching the communities of Harlem and Washington Heights. In 2009, CAW worked with over 2,000 kids and teens.
Giraffe Path has been another CAW program for the past several years. In 2008, over 1,050 children and teens throughout Harlem and Washington Heights worked with CAW artists and 21 partner organizations to create 175 giraffe sculptures that were displayed in neighborhood parks, as part of the "Hike the Heights" initiative. These artworks were seen by over 1,000 people within the community.
After participating in CAW programs, children and teens have said, "I've never felt this proud", "I learned how to stand up for myself and my ideas", and "I gave hope to my community; there was nothing before we painted our mural -- now there is hope!"
Thank you for joining us for the First Annual Art Works benefit on June 30th. To bid on the Live Painting created that night by Michael Barletta and Michael Swatt, email Lisa@ElisaArt.com. Proceeds to benefit CAW. To learn more about Creative Arts Workshops for Kids or to volunteer, click here.
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