In 2025, DNDA’s ArtPlus program saw renewed energy and meaningful creative impact through strong partnerships across Delridge, High Point, Rainier Vista, and New Holly! With strong participation, deepened partnerships, and consistent youth engagement, 2025 marked a year of growth and momentum for ArtPlus!
ArtPlus delivered 21 programs and events, including our weekly Watercolor & Mixed Media classes and Open Studio at Youngstown, EcoArts at Croft Townhomes, and programs in collaboration with the High Point Youth Engagement Collaborative. ArtPlus also served over 1,000 participants throughout the year. A major highlight was reaching hundreds of youth through the Summer Youth Program and Internship, which provided free arts, recreation, and leadership opportunities across three neighborhoods, supporting 12 paid youth interns in High Point and 17 paid interns in South Seattle. Community events such as Back-to-School Bashes, Fun Friday, Space–2–Craft, and arts-and-nature collaborations further expanded access, visibility, and connection.
As we move into 2026, the program will focus on using art as a powerful medium to connect the community and engage youth in environmental learning, responsibility, and leadership development. ArtPlus will continue to expand career-connected arts and creative pathways, deepening community impact while building on the strong success and relationships established in the past year. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our teaching artists, partners, supporters, and donors. Thank you for making this work possible!
-Written by DNDA’s Art Program Specialist Claire De Benon
