Budget cuts and lack of adequate state and federal funding for schools most often mean that PE and arts programs will be the first on the chopping block. Fortunately, in the North Bay we have very strong community support of school foundations such as Kiddo!, YES, KIK and others. 

Photo by: Vicens Vila

These important parent-run organizations work diligently to raise additional funds for our schools and help our local children thrive. In the area of the arts, unique programs like Tam High’s Conservatory Theatre Ensemble (CTE), Ross Valley’s Poets in the Schools and most, if not all, art and music education classes throughout Marin and Sonoma are just a few examples of how our students’ scholastic lives are enriched by more than just classes in the basics. And for those students who want to develop their passions further, there are many supplementary programs offered throughout our communities.

Youth In Arts (YIA) is one great example. This nonprofit organization based in San Rafael offers students experiences and instruction in the visual and performing arts through programs such as Artists in Schools, VSA arts and `Til Dawn, a teen a cappella singing group. YIA also puts on the beloved community celebration, the Italian Street Painting Festival, where each June the streets in front of the mission in San Rafael come alive with chalk masterpieces. Check out this slideshow from the 2010 event. 

Additional youth and young-adult-oriented arts opportunities and programs include:  For Visual Arts: Doodlebug, Masterworks kids’ art studio, Studio4Art and recycled art with Liesha Aeberst

For Dance: Marin Ballet, Happy Feet, Dance Arts Studios, Roco and Marin Dance Theatre

Music: Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra, Kindermusik, Music for Children, Marin Music Chest and The Magic Flute

Theatre: Marin Theater Company, Marin Shakespeare Company and Marilyn Izdebski Productions.
Our schools offer quality reading, writing and arithmetic, which we acknowledged as Reason #38 why we love where we live, but providing our school-aged children with an outlet for creativity and the chance to develop their imaginations is also of utmost importance. In the North Bay, our kids are fortunate to have so many programs at their fingertips.

Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors