I don't think that an after-school art program is the cure-all for what ails the judicial system. However, at a time when things such as a Drug Czar are buzz words on the evening news, it just might be that something as simple as an after-school program is what it takes to turn kids around." Eric Hathaway, Deputy Sheriff, Palm Beach County, Florida

Initially a pilot program in 1991, Progressive After School Art Community Education Program (PACE) was developed in response to the growing need for cultural facilities outside of the public school system. PACE was fully realized in 1993 in an urban housing project in Belle Glade, Florida. PACE of the Norton Museum of Art today serves children at five sites in underserved areas of Palm Beach and Martin counties. PACE aims to keep minority and "at-risk" youth off the streets after school by providing stimulating art-based educational activities in a safe, adult-supervised atmosphere. PACE expands horizons by providing minority teachers from the community who serve as role models. Moreover, it fosters creativity, stimulates critical-thinking skills, and nurtures the children¼s self-esteem.

In developing PACE sites, the Norton Museum of Art seeks out community-based partnership organizations with a significant community presence in the targeted area. Partner organizations include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, Inc., Palm Beach County Sheriff¼s Office, Martin County Parks and Recreation Department, and local housing authorities. PACE outreach locations are established in sites such as local community centers that are frequented by young people. PACE classes are offered free of charge, three days per week, year round. The art projects are multi-disciplinary, incorporating a cross-cultural focus and relating to a current exhibition at the Norton Museum that will be viewed by PACE participants.

The Norton provides all funding with local grant monies obtained by the museum. At each site, the Norton employs qualified, community-based primary instructors with college degrees who serve as role models for the PACE participants. Additionally, the Norton maintains an ongoing partnership with the Sheriff Community Policing or city police units to assist at each site.