This year, The Agency and Cindy Ambuehl are joining forces in support of P.S. ARTS’ annual “Express Yourself” fundraiser in Santa Monica. P.S. ARTS is the only organization in Southern California to provide yearlong performing and visual arts classes to children in underserved public schools who wouldn’t otherwise have access to the arts—and we’re not the only ones who believe in this worthy cause.
Sarah Michelle Gellar is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to championing memorable family experiences and childhood creativity. Her new, family-focused company, Foodstirs, does just that, offering organic, non-GMO baking kits and mixes designed to bring families together to create lasting memories in the kitchen. A supporter of P.S. ARTS and participant of the fundraiser each year, Sarah Michelle kindly shared her perspective on the importance of arts education and what P.S. ARTS means to her.
Why do you think it’s so important for arts education to be a part of school curriculum?
I have always believed that creativity is the road to invention. Studies show that creative people not only invent, but they also problem solve. Creativity is vital not just to the arts, but to science, engineering, medicine, and technology.
How do you think the lack of arts education in schools affects students?
Lack of arts education greatly affects students. Students that have access to arts education tend to have better grades in school and better job opportunities once they graduate. Without art programs, kids often show a lack of confidence that affects all aspects of their life.
For students who don’t have access to arts education, what are some alternatives that can help them (and their parents) stay involved in these pursuits?
I always remind parents that if schools don’t have these programs, there are many local opportunities available, from community theatre to museum programs, to nonprofit organizations that offer the opportunities to engage.
What are some of the positive effects that you’ve seen as a result of the P.S. ARTS program?
I am incredibly grateful to the P.S. ARTS program for giving a voice to the underserved children in communities without the funding for proper arts education. So often, we can be aware of a problem, but rarely do we know the best way to problem solve. P.S. ARTS brings awareness and the financial ability to offer these programs that get cut. The winners are the smiling faces on the children that are our future.
Join Sarah Michelle and others in celebrating P.S. ARTS’ 26th anniversary, and stop by The Agency’s booth, hosted by Cindy Ambuehl, on Sunday, Nov. 13 for some creative fun with Duck Brand. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
