In 2020, SSAF began the Art in Action program (formerly known as Art in Place). Art has the ability to uplift and transform. It was with this in mind, SSAF approached the two middle schools in Sandy Springs (Sandy Springs Charter Middle School and Ridgeview Charter Middle School) with the concept of students participating in an arts contest highlighting this ability to inspire and express perspectives.

Over 380 students in total submitted videos describing their art product or performance and explained why producing art was so important, especially in difficult times. Each school honored these submissions with a certificate and congratulations were made to all! For their participation, SSAF donated $5,000 to each school to purchase much needed art supplies.

The high response rate is a testament to how important the power of art is to students and reflects the effectiveness of the relationships between the students and their art teachers. Art and art education are especially crucial during a child’s middle school years. In many cases, the eighth grade is a student’s last formal training in the arts. Consequently, we have to make art time COUNT!