ARTS Community Impact 2025
As we reflect on the growth and impact ARTS has been part of over the last year, we are so grateful to our incredible partners, generous supporters, talented teaching artists, dedicated team, amazing community, and the youth in our programs. As a community, we have truly seen how creativity can spark meaningful change.
Let’s continue to make a lasting impact together!
ARTS uplifts young people in the South County region of San Diego to become confident, compassionate, and courageous community builders through the transformative power of creativity.
2025
+$1M earned revenue
$43K contributed revenue
$486K foundation
$76K government
City of National City - Community Services Department, Engineers and Public Works Department &
College Corps at UC San Diego
Environmental Health Coalition
Fleet Science Center
Institute of Public Strategies
Juvenile Diversion Initiative
LEAD Expanded Learning Program
Artist and Exile, Inc.
Athenaeum Art Center
BIPOC Support Foundation
California Lawyers for the Arts
Casa Familiar
Chicano Park Steering Committee
Chula Vista Elementary School District
City Gallery - San Diego City College
City of National City
National Conflict Center Resolution
National School District
Ocean Connectors
Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center
San Diego State University - School of Social Work and Department of Psychology
San Diego Unified School District
SD ART Matters
SDCOE Juvenile Court and Community Schools
Sew Loka
South Bay Youth Center
Sweetwater High School
Triple V
University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work
University of Southern California, School of Social Work
VAPA Foundation
Village Arts Outreach Gallery – Studio 21
YMCA of San Diego County
“This year, ARTS continued to grow in both heart and reach with our programs, our community, and our possibilities expanding together. Every moment of impact reflects the courage, creativity, and care of our youth and team - and the belief that art can connect, transform and heal. I am inspired by what we’ve co-created together and look forward to continuing to turn vision into practice each and every day with everyone who is part of ARTS.”
Our Team
Behind the scenes
Ashley Aparicio
Facilities Assistant
Monica Bañuelos
People & Culture Coordinator
(June - Current)
Katie Carrion
Program Coordinator,
ARTS on Campus
Jose Contreras Jr.
Operations Manager
Lucy Eagleson
Executive Director
Connie Garcia
Communications &
Design Manager
Shanika Lazo
Communications Specialist
(Jan - Nov)
Jose Lopez
Advancement Coordinator
Olimpia Vázquez Ojeda
Programs Manager
David Peña
Program Coordinator,
ARTS on Campus
Stephanie Rivas
Volunteer & Intern Coordinator
Anna Mia Ruiz
Program Coordinator,
Community ARTS
T Jay Santa Ana
Communications Specialist
(Nov - Current)
Guillermo Santiago
Facilities Specialist
Daniela Sebastian
Program Specialist
Ada Shido
People and Culture Coordinator
(Jan - June)
Board of Directors
Tom Reise
Chair
Non-profit Volunteer
Michael James Rocha
Secretary
Creative Director for Digital, The San Diego Union-Tribune
Patrick Stewart
Treasurer
CEO, San Diego Public Library Foundation
Amalia B. Hernandez, MSW
Lecturer, School of Social Work
San Diego State University
Lauren Lockhart
Executive Director,
La Jolla Historical Society
Stephen Minix
Vice President, Community UpMetrics
Alyssa Mopia
Producer, Co-Founder, Future’s Past
Teaching Artists
Lerida Armendariz, Dia Bassett, Isabella Cervantes, Jei Collier, Teresa Diaz de Cossio, Pablo Dodero, Sheena Rae Dowling, Leah Eria, Sora Gallagher, Ulises Galicia, Jess Garcia, Kelsey Kenny, Lanae King, Zadé Helena Landegger, Jerry Scott Lopez, Ross Majewski, Lillian Miller, Alma Padilla-Iriarte, (Sew Loka) Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski, Adriana Quezada, Anjeela S Thakuri, Rob Tobin, Ell Treese, Chris Tucker, Adriana Xibille
Program Assistants
Aurora Cruz, Alisha Hensle, Ever Herder, Alan Lojas, Marina McClane, Andrea Moreno, Ray Navarrete, Jannica Pascua, Sierra Roberson, Barbara Salazar, Sonya Valle
Volunteers & Interns
Aidan Eileen Averett, Amara Abaquin-Brown, Enjolie Meryem, Alexandra Blumen, Melanie Buck, Isabel Castro, Alexa Celayes, Makaylah Cirignano, Michael Cruz, Savannah Elloway, Ada Escamilla, Ella Espejo, Jane Esteban, Jordyn Felix, Michelle Garcia, Sara Gonzalez, Alanni Grimaldo, Raphael Gregoire, Ashley James, Patrick Jimenez, Mereb Khasay, Carla Labto, Michelle Mastroberti, Lino Miranda, Fernanda Morales, Carina Negrete, Vee Nguyen, Licia Olisa, Frieda Verdugo Paez, Amber Robinson, Raul Ricardez, Janae Salamat, Khristine Anne Samson, Kelsey Schneider, Yul Shim, Lupita Tello, Megan Williams
Events Team
Arianna Ytselle Arelis, Ayleen Bautista, Kate Burgonio, Lucia Head, Jas King, Luz Lekhrajmal, Valeria Valenzuela Lopez, CJ Mendoza, Arleth Noriega, Monet Panza, Natalie Perez-Hall, Lita Reveles, Josh Rosas, Katie Shackelford, Alejandra Sainz, Danniella Sanchez
Participants in Community ARTS work collaboratively with local artists and creatives in mentorship-centered, workshop-style art activities, encouraging youth to explore and express their identities through art while guiding them through various stages of the artistic process, including creative thinking, concept design, execution, presentation, and critical analysis across various artistic mediums such as sewing, visual art, music, and media arts. This program aligns with the National Core Arts Standards, Creative Youth Development (CYD) principles, and Healing-Centered Engagement.
Program Highlight
Echoes of Blooming is more than an exhibition title; it represents the power, creativity, and leadership young artists bring into spaces where youth voices have historically been overlooked. Developing this program was deeply uplifting because students took full ownership of their work, not only in its creation but also in its curation, display, and contextualization for the public. Exhibiting in at Spanish Village Gallery in Balboa Park was especially significant, for most students, it was their first time presenting work in a major cultural institution, a reminder that they belong in these spaces and that their stories deserve to be seen and heard. Through hands-on experience in curation, exhibition design, and thoughtful communication, students gained practical skills that broadened their understanding of what is possible in the arts.
A place-based series of creative art and design projects as part of our after-school program, designed with young people aged 13 to 18 throughout southern San Diego County. Our goal is to co-create a safe space where youth can explore their personal identities, develop their creative and critical thinking skills, cultivate positive mental health and wellbeing, and envision the community they want to live in.
“It was incredible to watch these young artists step into leadership roles and take full ownership of the exhibition process — every decision was theirs, and their voices shaped every aspect of the show.”
“Programs like this allow me to express my creativity without judgment, helping youth find their own voice and community.”
Engaging with museums, creative professionals, and art spaces beyond the ARTS Center allowed students to draw inspiration from behind-the-scenes access and conversations with working artists, deepening their perspectives on the power and relevance of art in the world around them. Students led this exhibition from start to finish, and the program demonstrates the critical role youth-led initiatives play in advancing community engagement, representation, and cultural equity. The program culminated in the creation of a one-of-a-kind flyer for their show at the Athenaeum Art Center. Thanks to the Collins Art and Sports Foundation, students received scholarships for art supplies to continue their creative journeys.
“ARTS On Campus” offers visual and mixed-media arts education to schools and extended learning environments through creative projects. This program can be integrated into the school day as an after-school enrichment, using transformative arts experiences to enhance learning and increase student engagement.
This program provides dynamic, responsive, and hands-on opportunities for skill-based learning, as well as cultivating communication, creativity, and collaboration through individual and collective art-making. This program is aligned with the California State Standards for Expanded Learning, the Creative Youth Development (CYD) framework, CASEL, the Visual and Performing Arts Standards for California, and the National Core Arts Standards in Visual Arts.
“What is something that feels different for you because of art class?”
We asked the youth in our National School Disctrict partnership and this is an overiew of the types of resonses we recieved:
“I can be myself”
“I feel like I can express myself”
“More calmness”
“I feel much happier when I have class””
“I get to make cool things and get better at art and crafts”
“The collaborative efforts of our team and the partner organizations we work with helped youth flourish, families engage, and the broader community come together. ”
Program Highlight
In 2025, we significantly expanded the ARTS on Campus program and strengthened its impact by building an intentional, inclusive community centered on a Whole Child philosophy and intergenerational learning. Through strong partnerships with families, ARTS on Campus organized engaging full-day field trips to the ARTS Center, creative workshops for the whole family, and art exhibitions at both school sites and the arts center, bringing together students, families, and local artists to celebrate and support youth achievements.
Reflecting on the year’s progress, Program Coordinator Katie shared, “It has been rewarding to see so many intergenerational events, after-school programs, camps, and exhibitions this year that fostered meaningful connections and creative growth. These collaborative efforts help youth flourish, families engage, and the broader community come together—it truly takes a village.” These collective experiences not only create spaces for students to thrive artistically and socially, but also empower families to engage more fully, reinforcing the belief that it truly takes a village to nurture the next generation.
Innovative internship and paid apprenticeship programs designed to cultivate hands-on professional experience for young people interested in careers in the creative and technical industries. ARTS @ Work can take place both during in-school and as out-of-school time, and across multiple partnerships and locations such as our own Makers Workshop, as well as local businesses, photoshoot locations, marketing agencies, and much more.
As part of a vibrant hub of industrial businesses and initiatives, ARTS @ Work aligns California Career and Technical Education curriculum models (CTE), Culturally-Relevant Maker Education approaches, as well as Career Development and Work-Based Learning standards to support young people by equipping them with the skills and real-world experiences needed to thrive and contribute to creative industries in our region.
“It’d be cool if I came back like 5 years later and I saw that this was still up… I think that was enough for me, just that satisfaction of achievement.”
Program Highlight
Ripple Effect is a youth-led, community-based project in National City, developed through a collaboration between the City of National City, Sweetwater Authority, A Reason To Survive (ARTS), and Artist and Exile. The initiative engaged five paid youth interns who, with professional mentorship, co-designed, fabricated, and installed a series of public artworks at El Toyon Park and the Sweetwater Spigot, a free water source in National City. These pieces not only beautify the community but also highlight the importance of water conservation and raise awareness of free water resources in the area.
Through over 300 hours of paid apprenticeships, the interns gained hands-on career experience in design and fabrication, ultimately creating seven unique art pieces complemented by educational signage, sidewalk murals, and enhanced public amenities. The project has reached thousands of community members, fostering civic engagement and environmental stewardship among youth while making a lasting, positive impact on the local landscape.
“I feel like it definitely has affected my path for what I see for my future… before I didn’t think that art could really be a major that I do (in college), but I think it would be worth it (to pursue) because of the pride that I feel when I make something like that.”
Inspired by healing-centered engagement, strengths-based approaches, and restorative practices, ARTS 4 Justice invites young people to choose creative outlets through art-making, connect with peers and mentors, and engage in meaningful opportunities in their community.
Through hands-on legacy projects, skill-building workshops, educational field trips, after-school opportunities, and diversion partnerships led by experienced teaching artists, ARTS 4 Justice fosters a creative community for system-impacted youth and opportunity youth, who are directly affected by systems such as child welfare and foster care, juvenile justice, or immigration.
As Lerida Armendariz, ARTS Teaching Artist who led the project alongside Ms. Cecilia from the JCCS Global Campus, reflected: “There is a unique magic in the intergenerational exchange: the elementary students provided the spark of imagination, and the high school students provided the hands to hold it.” This philosophy guided the collaboration with Kimball Elementary and the Global Campus. For many of these high school artists, who often move between Tijuana and San Diego, this project became more than schoolwork; it offers a real sense of belonging to the National City community.
Every detail on the mural, from the soccer jersey and rainbow to the birds flying with the sun and moon, connects students of different ages and backgrounds. By including local landmarks, like our home at ARTS, these students showed that 'home' is not just a place. It is also the beauty you help create for others.
“Art is important to me because even though Im not an artist I cope with art.”
This year, ARTS launched the Artist Leaders Internship at one of the ARTS 4 Justice school sites. With support from the Collins Arts and Sports Foundation, a select group of dedicated students applied to participate in additional hours on legacy projects at their school. These paid opportunities allow young people to engage more deeply in art projects that matter to them, strengthen their relationships with peers and artistic mentors, and recognize the value of their creative work.
Program Highlight
This fall, our partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education Juvenile Court and Community School (JCCS) Global Campus gave students at the Global Campus a unique and memorable creative experience.
The process started with something simple: a conversation. Our high school students thought about what they would have liked to see when they were younger, which was not easy for them. Then, they became mentors by talking with Kimball students and collecting their doodles. By turning those sketches into a large mural, the artists did more than practice their craft; they showed real care for the younger students.
“There is a unique magic in the intergenerational exchange: the elementary students provided the spark of imagination, and the high school students provided the hands to hold it.”
Legacy Projects
ARTS defines Legacy Projects as collaborative art initiatives led by youth that aim to exist permanently or semi-permanently, creating meaningful, lasting art in public spaces and on school campuses. Recent examples include large mural projects at schools and community locations, such as the Bayfront High School murals and mosaics, Mueller Charter School’s youth-led murals, and new murals in the children's section at the National City Public Library. These projects not only uplift the community but also offer youth valuable opportunities to develop skills in artistic expression, teamwork, and communication through a collaborative creative process, fostering a deep sense of ownership and connection to their city and community.
Throughout the project lifecycle, youth engage in self-exploration and negotiation, sharing and incorporating their ideas into final designs. This involvement instills a sense of pride and responsibility, as their artwork becomes a lasting part of the community for years to come. The hands-on experience of bringing their creations to life enhances their understanding of material interactions and environmental influences. Celebrations follow the completion of each project, holding space for young artists to share more about their contributions and inspire future generations. This collaborative effort highlights the transformative power of creativity and the significance of community connection.
A Creative and Cultural Hub of National City + The South Bay
In 2025, ARTS strengthened its role as a center for creativity and community in the South Bay, especially in National City. Over the year, ARTS hosted more than 70 events, including workshops, classes, meetings, and family celebrations. Local partnerships with organizations such as Rise San Diego and Art of Elan, regional events like hosting the California Arts Council for a grant workshop, and local families celebrating important milestones demonstrated ARTS’ broad impact. Just as important were ARTS’ own large-scale community celebrations: each session, we host a Youth Arts Festival and exhibition (Spring + Fall) that highlights the many talents across all 4 of our programs, honor those who make impact with our Bright Lights event and our annual Día de los Muertos festival. Each event brings in hundreds of families and community members. These signature events created meaningful opportunities for all the families in our programs to connect, celebrate creativity, and build lasting relationships. The year ended with ARTS hosting the Bright Spots: Catalyst Conference in October, which brought together more than 250 participants, in partnership with Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial Counties and the City of National City. This event highlighted the ARTS center’s role in bringing together creative leaders, the social impact sector, and community members.
ARTS’ dedicated events team of over 15 passionate, hard-working individuals throughout the year was at the heart of welcoming approximately 25,000 visitors in 2025. Operations Manager Jose Contreras Jr. captured the spirit of the year, sharing, “It is so rewarding to see how events at ARTS have grown in such a short time. Over the last year in particular, we have created a sustainable system that allows us to host partners, organizations, and community members for their art and community events. As we continue to refine our approach to events, I am excited to expand our network of arts & culture and community organizations, specifically those in the South Bay, and to ensure that any guest that enters our space feels welcome and has a memorable experience.” This focus on genuine hospitality, growth, and community collaboration further established ARTS as an essential, welcoming cultural home for the region.
“As we continue to refine our approach to events, I am excited to expand our network of arts & culture and community organizations, specifically those in the South Bay”
Foundations
Cowlin Family Foundation | Liwerant Family Foundation | Sager Family Foundation
Government
Corporate
