What’s New at Youth in Arts?
YIA Welcomes New Executive Director
Hello to our valued Youth in Arts Community,
I’m Taylor Buttrey and I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of Youth in Arts. I bring a deep passion to arts education and program development and look forward to executing a strategic approach to fund development and community involvement with the phenomenal team that I am fortunate enough to lead. Our talented and dedicated staff and teaching artists are passionate advocates for our mission and are committed to creating inclusive and equitable opportunities for young artists of all abilities.
This transition in leadership marks an exciting new chapter for Youth in Arts, I assure you that our dedication to our mission remains steadfast. Youth in Arts has a proud legacy of empowering students through innovative visual and performing arts programs that foster confidence, compassion and resilience. We will continue to build on this strong foundation and expand our impact across our community. We are thankful for your vital support in this endeavor.
My experience in leading dynamic programs and collaborating with diverse community partners and teams has prepared me to guide Youth in Arts into our next stage. In my previous role I served as Director of California Programs at One Step Beyond, leading a team of over 30 to provide responsive, respectful and impactful programming to individuals with disabilities. In addition to my program experience, I worked to launch a new Development Department at The Opportunity Tree, an organization in Phoenix, Arizona, where I secured major gifts from funders and individual donors to expand programs and ensure financial stability for the organization. At Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services, where I served as Creative Arts Program Manager, I oversaw over 300 art classes annually with no state funding or support. This lack of support from the state instilled in me the importance of diversifying funding streams, building comprehensive community partnerships and collaboration to ensure impactful program delivery.
I envision a bright future for Youth in Arts. We aim to strengthen our programs while expanding our reach, ensuring that every young artist, regardless of background or ability, has access to quality arts education. Your support enables us to continue to advocate for equitable access to the arts, develop capacity among educators, and provide transformative experiences that enable youth to express their creative voices while they share their perspective and experiences.
I am eager to engage with you and to share updates on our progress as we move forward. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant arts community that celebrates and uplifts youth voice. Thank you for your trust and commitment to Youth in Arts; your generosity makes a significant impact – we could not be more grateful.
In partnership,
Taylor Buttrey – Executive Director
YIA Gallery: Student-Curated My Voice Matters
Join us at the YIA Gallery for My Voice Matters, an exhibition showcasing the work of young artists, as they explore and express their unique perspectives through visual art. This exhibition highlights the importance of student voices, offering a platform for these emerging artists to share their perspectives, experiences, and views on the world around them.
Featuring Artists: Heath Carbone, Lea Ortiz, and Maddie O’Sullivan
Opening Reception: Friday, Nov. 8th; 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Gallery Location & Hours: 917 C St. San Rafael, CA 94901
Monday – Friday; 11: 00am – 4:00pm
Upcoming Community Event
San Rafael’s 36th annual Dia de Muertos Celebration is this Saturday, November 2nd! This free community celebration will be held at the Albert J. Boro Community Center at Pickleweed Park from 3 – 9 pm. Stop by for a hands-on art making experience led by Youth in Arts, and enjoy food, live music, and more!
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Youth in Arts!
Youth in Arts is on the lookout for passionate, community-minded individuals to join the YIA Board of Directors. If you’re interested in making a difference in education through the arts, this is your opportunity to get involved! Our board is dynamic and fun, offering many ways to participate and contribute. We’re particularly looking for individuals with professional skills in different areas, specifically legal, PR/marketing, and technology.
This is a working board, and your expertise can help drive meaningful change in our community. Join us in our mission to empower students through creative exploration and education.
