CARRIE LEIGH’S ARTS FOR KIDS OFFERS ART EDUCATION TO REGIONAL CHILDREN
Carrie Leigh’s Arts For Kids
618-918-1727
https://carrieleighs.com/
Founded as a non-profit 501c3 in 2019 by local artist Carrie Leigh Schnicker, Carrie Leigh’s Arts for Kids brings the power of art to children in the Greater Centralia Area and beyond.
The organization offers art education to children in schools throughout the region, as well as online painting programs for veterans in Illinois and surrounding states, and adult painting and coloring parties which serve as fundraisers.
Carrie Leigh’s is also the founder of the Dream Come True Prom, a free prom event held at Castle Ridge for teens and adults with disabilities. As of this writing, the Dream Come True Prom has hosted 288 people since its inception six years ago.
A participant in various local events, where it provides free arts experiences for children, Carrie Leigh’s most recently hosted a gingerbread ornament craft building booth at the Historic Downtown Christmas Stroll.
Speaking on Carrie Leigh’s mission, Schnicker said she provides free, fun, and educational programs to children that help build self-esteem, social skills and learning through the fine arts.
“My passion mostly lies with getting [art] into the schools. Art is good for the soul, and kids need art for their educational development,” said Schnicker. “I think this helps them become more well-rounded adults in our community.”
Along with having students create their own art pieces, Schnicker develops curriculum for the school classes, including the “Meet the Masters Program”, where she teaches on the world’s most influential artists and the historical eras during which they created.
Schnicker said Carrie Leigh’s is currently as busy as ever, noting that she would love to bring on some additional volunteers to help expand her reach.
“We have a lot of core volunteers that help during events and we couldn’t do what we do without them,” she said. “I still have plenty of opportunities open for volunteering, though. I would like to train more people so I can reach more kids. You don’t have to have any prior experience in art [to volunteer.”]
Schnicker said she is interested in acquiring a physical location as well, should one become available to her.
Those wishing to volunteer with Carrie Leigh’s Arts for Kids are asked to contact Schnicker through the organization’s Facebook Page. Schools interested in having Carrie Leigh’s teach a class, or those wanting to attend a fundraiser or sign up for the online veteran’s program may also reach out through the organization’s website or Facebook page.
