Community Programs

All nonprofits are asked, 'Where does the money go?" In our case, you can see it in the faces of thousands of at-risk youth in our programs over 350 days a year. We make sure the arts are available to everyone, regardless of economic capability.

For over 63 years Arts Bonita has provided a cultural heart and identity to our communities with programs of art and culture to people of all ages. As part of our mission and service to our communities' residents we provide programming to over 15,000 at-risk youth annually. Last year we awarded over $100,000 in scholarships.

 

 

Art Goes to School

Artist volunteers and staff visit middle and elementary schools with free hour-long education programs. Visits include a discussion of a master artist, demonstration of his or her art, the artist's history and culture; followed by an art, dance or theater project that challenges, engages and enlightens students, as well as connects the historical and cultural emphasis of the lectures and art activities. Over 4,700 students participate.

 

Saturday Activity Days

This community engagement program is a two-hour family activity that takes place quarterly and monthly when national traveling exhibitions visit the Arts Bonita's Galleries. Upon arrival, children of all ages and their families enjoy a mini exhibition tour followed by a hands-on art project.

 

Community Theatre

This performing arts program offers year round creative opportunities for all ages. The program features 4 full-length theatre productions with dance, voice and acting education for all. Participants build self-confidence and hone their performance skills. Our Community Theatre is a vital, growing troupe. Over 90% of our students receive over 75% scholarships.

 

Let's Dance

Year round evening and Saturday classes focusing on ballet, modern, jazz and lyrical. Recitals provide students, family and friends with a spectacular experience. 70% of our students receive over 75% scholarships.

 

Student Showcase Exhibition

This free, annual program features an exhibition of our local high school students, a catered reception and scholarship awards presentations. Those seniors intending to study design, film, fine art, architecture, communications and performing arts submit portfolios in advance for review toward college tuition scholarships. All other participating students receive scholarships to programming at the Centers. Over 500 students participate each year.

 

Children's Summer Camps

June, July and August--students can attend a half or full day. Art activities include sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, creative crafts, dance and theater. Over 80% of our students receive scholarships. Last year we awarded over $90,000 in scholarships to deserving students.

 

Meet the Artist

Every two months Arts Bonita features a local, visiting artist. In this free program, Artists demonstrate their art process and talk about the tools and materials of their art form.

 

Mentor Program

Our mentor program begins early -- in elementary and middle school and runs through high school. At-risk students are recommended by parents or faculty, administrators or counselors in their school. Unique classes for elementary and middle school students like "Things That Fly", "Eager Engineers" "Global Explorers" and "Earth Explorers' creatively link various academic curriculum components with fine arts, helping at-risk students struggling in their academic environment. Our high school mentor program provides free advanced art experiences not accessible in their school. Working with faculty or visiting artists, students collaborate on a large-scale project or participate in unique class experiences, such as Stone Carving Sculpture, Video, Animation or Film.

 

Program Evaluation

We evaluate each segment of our programming upon completion not only from the standpoint of the success and sense of accomplishment youth and their families' experience; but our own success as a group committed to our community. We make recommendations for future growth and additional areas of focus to meet the growing needs of local youth and their families.

 

Profile

Our programming is very successful in bringing to each child and family the joy of artistic creation; new capabilities in problem solving and creative thinking skills; and development of new and future audiences in the arts. For most of these at-risk youth, however, the financial cost of attending is far out of their reach.

We identify students who need our help using various methods within our communities --school administrators, faculty, counselors, and local social service organizations. Often, parents contact us, asking for help. Our goal-never turn any student away. Children who attend our programs live in Bonita Springs, Naples, Estero, Fort Myers Beach and Fort Myers.