Letter from the Executive Director

For more than 36 years, Young Audiences has been bringing the finest in arts-in-education programming to children in our area. What started as one program in Beaumont schools has blossomed into programming in all schools in Jefferson, Hardin and Orange counties. Throughout the years, the YA mission has remained the same - to develop the creative and intellectual potential of young people as well-rounded and productive human beings by promoting the arts as an integral part of the educational process, and thereby empowering children to reach for their dreams through the arts. We’ve weathered TAKS, storms (literally!), and shaky economies, but through it all we remain committed to our mission.

Although the coming year will be one of challenges, it will also be one of great opportunities. We’ve got lots of exciting things going on and can’t wait to share them with you! When you receive comments from students such as “While the drums were playing, I felt them beating in my heart. I couldn’t believe it! That was the first time that happened to me.” - how can you argue with the value the arts bring to the educational process? Now more than ever, our youth need arts programming that will inspire, encourage and empower them to reach for and achieve their dreams. Through in school programs, after school events, summer reading programs, art and literature contests, family days at local museums, and other events, YA is out in the community meeting those needs.

If you’d like to help area children "live out loud" through the arts, or want to do a little living yourself, we’d love to hear from you. Maybe you only have a couple of hours a month or a year, you’d like to host a YA event, you are an up and coming artist, or would like to attend a performance to find out more about YA - whatever your talents or resources, we’d love to have you join us. To stay informed on upcoming events and programs, be sure to send us your email, at yasetx@aol.com - and we’ll add you to our electronic mailout list. Also be sure to bookmark our website - www.yasetx.org - and check in regularly to see what’s new. And remember, giving is easier than ever through our Paypal link on our website. So come get your heart beating for the arts, and help keep the arts alive for our area youth. We can’t wait to hear from YOU!

Stacie Jannise
Executive Director