About
Youth in Arts offers programs in visual arts, performing arts, music, dance, theater, and new media. The program also connects young people with an art gallery dedicated to celebrating youth artists and with the Italian Street Painting Festival.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
Youth in Arts was founded in 1970. Its mission is to build visual and performing arts skills through innovative and in-depth programs that foster confidence, compassion and resilience in students of all abilities. The organization offers in-school arts learning led by professional artists and out-of-school intensive arts programs for teens, using a mentorship approach that connects students with professional working artists. Youth in Arts is the only consistent provider of arts for special education students in Marin and has been an affiliate of VSA arts (formerly Very Special Arts) since 1981. It founded the Italian Street Painting Festival in San Rafael in 1994 and was the sole producer for 16 years. Youth in Arts is an Arts Equity Champion and is a proud member of Teaching Artist Guild and the Downtown San Rafael Arts District. The organization develops capacity among educators and teaching artists, advocates for equitable access to arts education, and offers dynamic arts experiences with the community through community partnerships and events.
Testimonials from participants and families describe individual experiences with Youth in Arts programs, including a student reflecting on learning from mistakes in art, a teenager describing the `Til Dawn program, an individual noting the organization’s values and staff dedication, and a parent describing daily communication and support for a daughter who is severely impacted by autism in a Youth in Arts summer camp.
Last updated June 17, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
Youth in Arts was founded in 1970. Its mission is to build visual and performing arts skills through innovative and in-depth programs that foster confidence, compassion and resilience in students of all abilities. The organization offers in-school arts learning led by professional artists and out-of-school intensive arts programs for teens, using a mentorship approach that connects students with professional working artists. Youth in Arts is the only consistent provider of arts for special education students in Marin and has been an affiliate of VSA arts (formerly Very Special Arts) since 1981. It founded the Italian Street Painting Festival in San Rafael in 1994 and was the sole producer for 16 years. Youth in Arts is an Arts Equity Champion and is a proud member of Teaching Artist Guild and the Downtown San Rafael Arts District. The organization develops capacity among educators and teaching artists, advocates for equitable access to arts education, and offers dynamic arts experiences with the community through community partnerships and events.
Testimonials from participants and families describe individual experiences with Youth in Arts programs, including a student reflecting on learning from mistakes in art, a teenager describing the `Til Dawn program, an individual noting the organization’s values and staff dedication, and a parent describing daily communication and support for a daughter who is severely impacted by autism in a Youth in Arts summer camp.
Last updated June 17, 2026.
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