Pacific Art League’s Community Art Programs align with our mission by providing at risk, vulnerable, and underserved communities an arts education rooted in expression, cultural awareness and so much more.
Current Partnerships
Expressive Art at Bill Wilson Center
The Bill Wilson Center is dedicated to collaborating with the community to guarantee that every young person has access to the comprehensive services necessary for their growth into healthy, self-sufficient adults. Originating from an innovative idea proposed by Supervisor Joe Simitian, Pacific Art League's Expressive Art Program aims to provide an expressive and creative outlet for at-risk youth, offering a valuable experience for those navigating a myriad of challenges.
Today, this program stands as a beacon of support, annually reaching over 1000 youth and teens. By combining the Bill Wilson Center's commitment to community collaboration with the expressive and transformative power of art, we are creating a pathway for young individuals to not only overcome challenges but also to flourish as they embark on their journey towards adulthood.
Summer Art Program at Edenvale Elementary
Launched in 2024, the Bill Wilson Summer Art Program at Edenvale Elementary is a collaboration between the Pacific Art League and the Bill Wilson Center, designed to provide at-risk youth with a creative outlet over the summer months. This program empowers young individuals to express themselves, build confidence, and develop essential life skills through the transformative power of art.
AchieveKids Art Camp
Established in 2023, the Pacific Art League partnered with AchieveKids in Palo Alto to create an inspiring art camp for children with moderate to severe learning disabilities. Through tailored projects, students explored various art mediums, connecting with the curriculum while building confidence, life skills, and social connections in a supportive environment. Guided by PAL’s instructor, Rachel Levine, the camp offered a creative space where every child could freely express themselves, demonstrating that art goes beyond creating beautiful pieces—it’s about discovering and celebrating each individual’s unique abilities. This collaboration reflects PAL’s commitment to inclusive art education, empowering young artists of all abilities to thrive.
Free Expressive Art Open Studio
PAL’s Expressive Art Studio Drop-In Program designed specifically for youth and teens. This welcoming, supportive space offers young artists an opportunity to explore their creativity, express themselves freely, and connect with others in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. This program is free and funded by PAL donors.
Program dates coming soon!
Seniors Art Meet Up
PAL is excited to introduce the Senior Art Meet-Up, a free and welcoming space for seniors to connect, create, and explore their artistic side. This casual, drop-in program offers older adults the opportunity to express themselves through art, learn new skills, and enjoy the company of fellow art enthusiasts in a relaxed and supportive environment. This program is free and funded by PAL donors.
Program dates coming soon!
Previous Partnership Successes
Redwood City Community Art Programs
Funded by the Redwood City Arts Council, PAL’s community art programs provide RWC residents free online art workshops with community artists and instructors.
Ravenswood School District
PAL partnered with DREAMS, a design-based program that brought an artistic approach to Common Core curriculum in the Ravenswood School District. The purpose of DREAMS is to develop minds, engage hands and build cultural awareness through creating artistic projects. Art standards are combined with academic standards; their mutual importance is highlighted by hands-on pieces students create.
Mid Peninsula Boys and Girls Club
Our Boys and Girls Club after school arts program focuses on youth from low income families or are second language learners with the intent of giving the children an art experience and skills that allow them to express themselves through a variety of media. Without these art classes the children would have little or no exposure to art making.
Taft Community School
PAL’s partnership with Redwood City Police Activities League, brought iPad art and print making classes to 6th & 7th graders at Taft Community School.
Downtown Street Team
PAL partnered with Palo Alto Downtown Streets Team (DST) to provide art workshops that empowered unhoused and low-income community members. Through this collaboration, PAL offered creative opportunities that fostered self-expression, built confidence, and promoted social connection. The workshops served as a meaningful way for DST team members to engage with art, enriching their lives and bringing visibility to their stories through creative expression.
Menlo Park Veterans Affairs
PAL partnered with the VA in Menlo Park to provide art classes for veterans, offering a creative outlet that supported mental health and well-being. Through these classes, veterans explored various art forms in a supportive environment, fostering self-expression, reducing stress, and building a sense of community. This collaboration aimed to enhance the quality of life for veterans by using art as a therapeutic tool for healing and connection.