A story of one boy empowered by creativity

Written by Scott Mikesh, Executive Director

This season, one of our 3rd grade Art Buddies boys is on the autism spectrum. He had a really hard time focusing and opening up to his Art Buddy at the start, but his mentor Stuart Wainstock did a wonderful job working with him -- being patient, and helping him express his ideas however he wanted.

Rather than building a costume, Stuart and his little buddy built a bright red abstract 3-D dinosaur. On its back were a bunch of tiny animals that needed protection.

The program ended as usual with kids and mentors presenting their creations to the whole group. The most amazing thing to witness is when an otherwise timid and uncertain child shines with pride and confidence like this boy did, talking about his work in front of a group of 60+ people -- smiling the entire time.

It's moments like this that reveal the empowering and inspiring impact of creative mentoring.

Art Buddies voted among top five charities in Minneapolis!

Readers of Minneapolis Happening Magazine recently voted for the "Best of 2015" in several categories, including best Charity. We're excited to announce that Art Buddies was nominated and voted as a Finalist among the top five charities for the 2015 Minneapolis Happening List.

This wonderful recognition is a result of all who keep Art Buddies going and growing each year -- the amazing mentors who share their time and talents with the children we serve, our staff and board members who provide leadership and support, and our generous donors and program partners who make it all possible.

Thank you!

View contest results at: http://minneapolis.happeningmag.com/happeninglist/2015-minneapolis-charity/

$7,500 Match Grant will double your gift!

Donate by Nov. 15 to make your donation do more! Every dollar you donate to Art Buddies during our 2015 Match Challenge (Nov. 1-15) will be matched up to our $7,500 goal, thanks to the generosity of our two challenge grant sponsors, Mi Mi Design and The Edward R. Bazinet Foundation.

In addition to our Match Challenge, donations made by Nov. 12 will also qualify for Give to the Max Day incentives for the chance to make your gift do even MORE!

To learn more about the difference your donation will make, read what experts say about Art Buddies.

Thank you for helping Art Buddies bring the power of creative mentoring to hundreds of underprivileged kids each year!