Arts-Kids was founded in 1999 by Pat Drewry Sanger, an Advanced Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Registered Nurse and Child/Adolescent Specialist. Arts-Kids knows that great kids sometimes face challenging obstacles. We believe the arts form a bridge between boundaries of language, ethnicity, socio-economic status, age and education. We emphasize process over technique and focus on personal growth rather than on any specific artistic end product. Anyone can be successful!

Purposes

• To build communication, problem solving, listening and social skills
• To foster confidence and self-esteem in a non-competitive creative environment
• To promote empathy among diverse populations ages 8-17
• To build positive relationships with adult role models
• To balance individuality with a sense of global community

Arts-Kids offers facilitator-led programs to small groups of children and teens who are trying to deal with economic, social or emotional pressures, although the program can benefit any student who wishes to participate. There is no fee to participants, so all children can participate regardless of a family's ability to pay. Activities include dance, theater, music, and visual arts.

Each 2.5 hour session begins and ends with a group circle where each child's voice is heard, communication skills are strengthened, personal motivation is enhanced, respect for others is forged, and a sense of community is fostered. Each week, a different guest artist shares artistic experience and encourages the creative process in a variety of mediums. Other communities and organizations can adopt the model throughout professional training programs.

Arts-Kids has served more than 5,000 children since its founding 13 years ago with after-school sessions in Summit, Wasatch, Salt Lake, and Uintah Counties. There is demand to serve many more, if funds become available.

In 2008 Arts-Kids expanded to the Northern Ute Reservation and as funding becomes available, is growing from a localized program to a regionally focused, model program in the many communities that need services for positive youth development.