WEST HARTFORD, CT -- For the third consecutive year, the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) ArtsMentors, a community engagement program for underserved youth, has received $10,000 in primary funding support from the Richard P. Garmany Fund, a donor-advised fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
In its fourth year at USJ, ArtsMentors offers a special opportunity for teachers, scout leaders, church youth group facilitators, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and other mentoring programs to provide access to high-quality performances by guest artists at USJ’s Autorino Center for the Arts & Humanities. In addition, the mentors/mentees interact with artists, USJ faculty, and other professionals through dinners, discussions, and workshops.
“ArtsMentors is a unique program in Connecticut that shares diverse, transformative arts experiences with at-risk youth and the adults who support them. As the primary funder of the ArtsMentors program, the Garmany Fund fulfills its mission of making the Garmany name synonymous with music and the arts in Greater Hartford by its support of a lifeline to artistic and cultural activities for children who need it most,” said USJ President Rhona Free. “We are very grateful for the fund’s continuing support.”
In 2019-2020, ArtsMentors is working in partnership with My People Clinical Services, Our Piece of the Pie high school youth development program, and Hartford Job Core Academy to maximize impact by working consistently with a cohort of 30 youth for the entire year. ArtsMentors is providing youth and mentors with access to multiple music, dance, and film performances at USJ’s Autorino Center for the Arts & Humanities, along with meet-the-artist sessions. In addition, the program provides Hands-On Artistic Workshops and summer workshops at Hartford High School.
Upcoming ArtsMentors events include:
- Annual MLK Celebration: Beyond the Speech, Jan. 16
- Samite, Ugandan Music Concert, Feb. 22
- An American Songbook by Lee Mixashawn Rozie, Indigenous Jazz, March 7
- Sassafrazz by Raphael Xavier, Jazz Music and Hip-Hop Dance, March 20
For more information about ArtsMentors at the University of Saint Joseph, visit http://autorino.usj.edu/artsmentors.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) offers a wide range of coeducational undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs that combine a professional and liberal arts education with opportunities for mentored research, community service, clinical field work, and internships. Programs are taught on the University’s two campuses in West Hartford and Hartford, Connecticut; at off-campus locations throughout the state; and online. Founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Mercy, the University of Saint Joseph offers degrees with value and values. To learn more, view our website at http://www.usj.edu.
Photo 1: University of Saint Joseph ArtsMentors program: Artist Tang Hart playing trumpet. Photo credit - Andy Hart.
Photo 2: University of Saint Joseph ArtsMentors program: Music and poetry workshop group photo. Photo credit - Andy Hart.
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Contact:
Diana Sousa
Office of Marketing and Public Affairs
University of Saint Joseph
860-231-5297
dianasousa@usj.edu
Website: http://www.usj.edu