Yesterday evening, Thursday, June 18, Young Aspirations/Young Artists Inc. (YAYA) celebrated its new Arts Center at 3322 LaSalle St. in Central City.
In 1998, in a city where art is everywhere, YAYA began with a different idea on how to reach underserved young people. Since then, YAYA has improved the lives of more than 8,500 children through hands-on art education, supported the installation of more than 50 pieces of public art created by those children, taught money management and college and professional career preparedness to nearly 1,000 and created arts curricula for 28 schools and community partners.
Last night’s gathering celebrated the beginning of a new chapter for the nonprofit. The center’s main building is completed and was open for exploring, but is just a part of YAYA’s plans. YAYA hopes that the center will be a resource for practicing artists, aspiring students, young families and retired residents. Plans for the center includes glass studios, a woodworking shop, a print shop, a multimedia painting and craft studio, an eco-arts garden, a community space and guild studio and a gallery that will show and sell the students’ works.
Though start-up cots have been met, the center is still in need of funds. To learn more and to contribute, visit YAYAInc.com, email info@yayainc.com or call (504) 529-3306.
