Free Arts of Arizona is a nonprofit organization that sparks the creative spirit of abused, homeless and at-risk children. Our goal is to inspire and transform their lives through the power of artistic expression. Volunteer Mentors use the visual arts, music, theater, dance, literary and culinary arts with children living in over 100 group homes, residential treatment centers and shelters in Maricopa County. Since 1993, Free Arts of Arizona has touched the lives of nearly 60,000 young people, helping them build self-esteem, improve social skills, renew trust and learn to express emotions in a positive way through the healing effects of the creative arts.

This summer at MAC Camp we had the pleasure of working with passionate volunteers, professional teaching artists, fabulous counselors and over 100 remarkable young people over the course of an amazing two weeks. Thank you to all of the individuals and organizations who made this year’s Multicultural Arts Camp Series the best yet! Save the date for MAC Camp 2010: June 7 – 11 and June 14 – 18. 

Join us on Saturday, July 18th, as we unveil the "My Dream Home," art exhibit, featuring artwork by participants in Free Arts' 20-Week Mentor program and created especially for IKEA. The purpose of the My Dream Home project was to encourage youth to identify the things that are important to them when it comes to building a home. This project serves as a visual reminder to the children of a future that is possible. The exhibit is free and open all day!

Stay and join us for a special craft fair on site in honor of our back to school theme in the front lobby from 10am to 2pm. We will be decorating photo frames for your child's new school picture! Come on down and help support Free Arts and IKEA!

Thank You to Paradise Bakery & Café from everyone at Free Arts! April was Child Abuse Prevention Month and Paradise Bakery & Café Arizona stores donated 10 percent of cookie sales all month to Free Arts of Arizona during the month!  The April "Cookie for a Kid" campaign raised over $30,000 to help us serve more kids in our community!

This is the second year of the campaign and want to thank everyone who chose Paradise Bakery & Café and to support our programs.  We are very proud to have Paradise as our partner!

Paradise Bakery & Café is dedicated to nourishing the hopes and dreams of Arizona’s abused children by supporting and celebrating creativity and the arts in partnership with Free Arts of Arizona. To find a Paradise Bakery & Café near you, visit www.paradisebakery.com.