Imagine a day when every child has art
at his or her fingertips and when kids use colors, design, movement and sound to express themselves creatively in the classroom.  Express Yourself was organized so that our supporters could experience and enjoy the vast opportunities that we are able to provide to thousands of students in Los Angeles County and the Central Valley.  The P.S. ARTS students thrive in an environment that encourages self-expression and for one Sunday afternoon, supporters’ families can too!

For most children attending Title I schools in Los Angeles County and the Central Valley, an education without art is a sad reality.  Part creativity fair, part fund-raiser, 100% of the money raised at Express Yourself goes directly to P.S. ARTS, the privately funded, non-profit organization that is in it’s 17th year of restoring arts in public schools. 

This amazing day takes place on Sunday, November 16, 2008 in Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport.  Professional artists and teachers guide children through a medium-rich array of exciting projects.  Bright colored beanbag chairs, oversized pillows and a rainbow rug are set before a stage for dancing, singing and other inspirational performances. Last year Daniel Powter performed his hit single “Bad Day” with a P.S. ARTS student choir.  The year before Drake Bell of the popular “Drake and Josh” television series on Nickelodeon was the featured performer and other past performers include the Bangles, John Lithgow, Keb Mo’ and L.L. Cool J.  Dozens of L.A.’s top restaurants participate, donating signature treats for everyone to indulge in.  Music fills the air as hundreds of children roamed the art booths exploring and creating fun projects and making new friends.

Express Yourself 2007 was an amazing and important day for P.S. ARTS and we are proud to report that we met our goal and raised $1 million to restore the arts to public schools.  We look forward to raising even more money this year!

Last year P.S. ARTS also celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the event and honored one of the events’ co-creators, Laurie David.  Laurie is a well-known environmental activist and P.S. ARTS “greened” the event by embracing nature, incorporating environment friendly practices and celebrating the earth.

Are there still thousands of kids without any arts programs in their schools?  Unfortunately, yes.  Does this magical day make a dent with your attendance, contribution and participation?  Absolutely.  Don’t miss this enchanted day designed to support the restoration of art education to public schools, become a part of P.S. ARTS and Express Yourself in 2008.