Art enrichment activities help children use their imaginations in a free-learning environment while building social skills, self-esteem and creative expression. Art programs have been shown to increase a child’s test scores in various subjects, including reading, science and math.

At the Y, we believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. To keep up with the increasing demand for our arts and humanities programs, we hosted the third annual I Heart Art - a drive to collect new, packaged art supplies for enrichment activities for kids.

During the two-week drive, members, guests and program participants donated more than 43,000 art supplies for our youth development programs, such as PrYme Time, KidZone and YMCA READS!, across the First Coast.

Together with the community’s support, our art enrichment activities will give children the guidance and encouragement they need to become a confident kid today and a healthier, happier grown-up tomorrow. The next Van Gogh could be creating his next masterpiece with the paint you donated!