Here at the Ranch, we’re extremely passionate about arts education for the next generation. Every year, we host fundraisers for LYDIA Home’s Project Music (sending forty of their children-in-need to camp,) the parents of Skinner School in an effort to bring arts programming to their school, and Kaleidoscope Kid Art Show which auctions off art created by the kids of Kaleidoscope to benefit Kaleidoscope kids in foster care . Individually, our team is equally dedicated to enriching the lives of young people through art and mentorship.  Ranch Czarina Eva donates her time and flair in creating an inspiring after-school environment for LYDIA Home,  our Gala Gal Lauren is an active mentor for Spark Program, and I used to teach theatre for AfterSchool Matters.

The New York Center for Arts Education listed some of the benefits of arts education for children, which was posted by  Raise Smart Kid:

  • Your kid learns to think creatively, with an open mind
  • Your kid learns to observe and describe, analyze and interpret
  • Your kid learns to express feelings, with or without words.
  • Your kid practices problem-solving skills, critical-thinking skills, dance, music, theater and art-making skills, language and vocabulary of the arts
  • Your kid discovers that there is more than one right answer, multiple points of view
  • School can be fun – playing can be learning
  • Your kid learns to collaborate with other children and with adults
  • Arts introduce children to cultures from around the world
  • Your kid can blossom and excel in the arts.  Even with physical, emotional or learning challenges, can experience success in the arts.
  • Arts build confidence.  Because there is not just one right way to make art, every child can feel pride in his or her original artistic creations.
  • Arts build community.  Schools with a variety of differences can celebrate the arts as one community.

As a topic that we are especially passionate about at The Ranch, we are extremely excited to host Get Your Kid ‘Tooning With The New Yorker (sponsored by MasterCard) on December 15, 2012. Kids will not only have a blast in drawing, they will be learning from The New Yorker’s noted artists Danny Shanahan and Emily Flake. Throughout the day, kids will draw their own cartoons and enjoy kid-friendly snacks and beverages, including mini Chicago–style pizza bites, soft pretzel nuggets, and the ultimate brownie station. At the event’s conclusion, kids will be able to take their cartoons home as souvenirs.

This event is perfect for kids aged 5 through 12. To register, click here.