Dogwood Arts art kits for kids in need. Image courtesy of Dogwood Arts

KNOXVILLE — Dogwood Arts is working through the Boys & Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley and Centro Hispano to provide free art supplies to underserved youth during this time of crisis. Earlier this week, Dogwood Arts compiled and delivered over 600 Art Kits that will be distributed to kids ages 3-18 through the nonprofit partnerships. Dogwood Arts staff and board believe that it’s more important than ever to inspire and invest in the next generation of artists.

“Many families don’t have the resources or supplies at home to keep their children busy, entertained, and engaged in art education –– they’re in need of things to do,” said Rene Yanez, Community Resource Director at Centro Hispano and Board member at Dogwood Arts. “This is a great opportunity for the two nonprofits to combine their powers. Together, we’re able to support the Latino community by providing art supplies to families that are struggling due to the spread of COVID-19.”

The Art Kits include crayons, colored pencils, modeling clay, coloring pages, construction paper, scissors, pencils, pencil sharpeners, glue, pens, and blank notepads. Since many educational programs at Centro Hispano and the Boys & Girls Club have moved online, the art kits are designed for students to participate in virtual art classes or simply create art on their own at home. Art education is increasingly important in times of crisis; it gives students the tools necessary to communicate what they’re feeling in creative, expressive, and constructive ways.

“My kids are going to be so excited. The Art Kits will provide an opportunity for them to continue creating even when they’re not at the Boys & Girls Club,” Says Gwen Pevonka, Professional Teaching Artist at the Boys & Girls Club, “this will allow them to have supplies at home that they don’t normally have.”

Dogwood Arts hopes to expand the program throughout the spring and summer, reaching more kids and partnering with additional organizations that serve communities in need. If companies or individuals are interested in supporting the Art Kit For Kids program, Dogwood Arts is seeking donations of bulk art or school supplies such as pencils, note pads, pens, paper, stickers, markers, etc. Monetary donations can also be sent by check or online (please click the button to designate your donation to the Art Kit For Kids program). 100% of donations received through this program will go to purchase Art Kit materials.

The Art Kit For Kids program is made possible by these generous sponsors who support Dogwood Arts year-round: ORNL Federal Credit Union, Pilot Company, First Horizon Bank, Grayson Auto Group, Tennessee Arts Commission, Home Federal Bank, and Regal Entertainment Group.