United Arts: You can help future Central Florida artists with supply drive

This month, United Arts of Central Florida is collecting supplies and other donations to support the next generation of artists. The “art-supply drive” is part of the agency’s celebration of Youth Art Month, a national program run by the nonprofit Council for Art Education.

United Arts asked teachers from Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole County public schools what they could use to help strengthen their students’ interest in the arts. The most common requests turned out to be pretty basic: watercolors and acrylic paint, colored pencils, washable markers, crayons, drawing paper and heavyweight (90-pound) paper.

“As Central Florida’s local art agency, we see the need for resources in our community,” said United Arts president and CEO Jennifer Evins. “Through surveying local teachers in our public schools, we identified the specific essentials needed to make sure art is thriving.”

Monetary donations, made online, also can be used for other art-creating expenditures such as instrument repairs, performance rights for stage shows and rental costs.

Assistance in obtaining arts-related supplies is always welcome, said Scott Evans, senior director of visual and performing arts for Orange County Public Schools.

“While the arts in our schools are thriving, adequately providing materials and equipment is difficult due to the increased costs of these items,” Evans said. “We are incredibly appreciative when the private sector can invest in our programs by donating muchneeded materials.”

An updated registry of needed items sold at Amazon.com is available at unitedartscfl.org/ initiatives/art-supply-drive. The website also provides information on supporting local art-supply shops, some of which also serve as drop-off sites for donations.

Along with local businesses, the Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs lobby, 450 E. South St. in Orlando, and the United Arts offices, 3025 Edgewater Drive in Orlando, also serve as drop-off locations.

Evans lauded the initiative, which runs through March 31, as forward-looking for the region.

“The United Arts campaign,” he said, “is a great effort that will go a long way in ensuring our students have access to the essential supplies needed to cultivate their growing artistry.”