Art Center Summer Children’s Program Gets Boost

The Marco Island Center for the Arts is thrilled to announce a significant donation from the Missions Committee of The United Church of Marco Island to support its Summer Children's Programs being offered free of charge for the fourth consecutive year. This generous contribution underscores the United Church of Marco Island and its Mission Committee’s commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression among young and aspiring artists in the area.

Over the past three summers, Marco Island Center for the Arts has emerged as a vibrant hub for visual and performing artists aged five to 13 years old. Guided by the mission of "Every Child Deserves Art," the Art Center began offering free Summer Children’s Programs in 2021. The overwhelming response from the community, both local and beyond Marco Island, has been nothing short of inspiring.

For the last three years, the Missions Committee of United Church of Marco Island has recognized the value of these programs and has provided invaluable support to enhance and expand the offerings. In 2023, the Art Center was able to increase the number of classes to 25 and introduce a two-week intensive theatrical workshop, providing more opportunities for children to explore and develop their artistic talents.

The impact of this program is evident, as parents flooded the Art Center this year with inquiries and requests for program applications months in advance of the release of Summer Program schedule. Responding to this growing demand, the Art Center took proactive measures to anticipate the needs of the community.

Thanks to the continued generosity of the Mission Committee at The United Church of Marco Island, the Summer Children's Programs for 2024 have expanded even further. With 296 students set to attend the 29 classes, the Art Center is proud to offer an enriching and accessible arts experience to children, regardless of financial barriers.

"We are immensely grateful for the ongoing support from The United Church of Marco Island's Mission Committee," said Hyla Crane, Executive Director of the Marco Island Center for the Arts. "Their contribution has allowed us to not only sustain but also grow our Summer Children's Programs, making a lasting impact on hundreds of young artists in our community."

The enthusiastic response from parents and the community at large underscores the significance of integrating the arts into children’s lives. Through initiatives like "Every Child Deserves Art," the Marco Island Center for the Arts remains committed to providing inclusive and transformative arts experiences for children on Marco Island and the surrounding areas.