La Quinta Arts Foundation
P.O. Box 77778-080 Avenida La FondaLa QuintaCA92253760-564-1244760-564-6884

Program: Youth Art Works Educational Outreach Program Year Started: 1994 Focus: Visual Arts & Humanities Youth Served: 12 Ages: 16-21 Budget: $20,000 Riders on the Bear Creek Bike Path know that they will be able to find water, shade and a place to sit at the rest stops along the way. What they may not know is that the rest stops, which function as public art pieces as well, are designed and constructed by youth. These rest stops are a result of La Quinta Arts FoundationĚs Youth Art Works Educational Outreach Program. Through Youth Art Works, at-risk youth play a positive role in community development by creating public artworks. La Quinta Arts Foundation, with assistance from local social service agencies and school districts, recruits, trains and pays young people to assist in the research, design and construction of projects. Professional artists and qualified youth leaders coordinate and supervise these projects. Young people working on the Bear Creek project interviewed community residents, researched the history of the Coachella Valley and invited speakers from the local community college and museum to present information at local town meetings. The group was assisted by a nationally recognized artist who was hired as an artist-in-residence to mentor the local artist working with the youth. At each stage of development, youth presented their plans to residents. "This projectĚs greatest strength is its inclusiveness," remarks Carolyn Frances Lair, former director of La Quinta. "Through their research and extensive discussions with long- time residents, youth have developed a real sense of pride in their community and their roots, and adults are beginning to appreciate the contribution young people can make through the arts," adds Lair. In partnership with a Boys and Girls Club, a YMCA and a housing coalition, La Quinta also runs a Young at Art program to bring children discipline-based arts training.