Summer art for youth – Arts for All

This spring we are profiling youth serving arts organizations that offer programs for kids and teens this summer.


Arts for All, opens a new window provides accessible education, training, and experiences in the arts for children, particularly those with special needs. I spoke with Marcia Berger, Executive Director, about the organization and their plans for the summer. Arts for All started as a dance class in Berger’s living room in 1985 and now has a space, at 2520 N. Oracle Rd, which accommodates studios for art, ceramics, dance, drama, crafts, and music. Their all-day Summer Arts Camp runs May to August and serves youth age 3-18. Participants are diverse economically and culturally, including those with and without disabilities.

According to Berger, the arts resonate with all people. Not only do the arts soothe and help ease anxiety, the arts enrich people’s lives and guide them to find joy. Through art camp programming, Berger encourages youth to give back to the community, with anything from thank you cards to the performances themselves. Giving back gives the participants self-worth; it shows youth that they indeed have something to offer.

The summer ends with a talent show and art fair. Preparation for the show requires dedication and youth take pride in practicing and rehearsing. While typically held at Pima College West’s Center for the Arts, this year they are looking for a different venue due to pandemic closures. Also because of the pandemic, class sizes at the Summer Arts Camp are small, youth are masked, and they adhere to CDC guidelines.

Find out what the library is planning, opens a new window for tweens and teens this summer.


by Matt L., Assistant Manager, Woods Memorial Library