Simon Youth Foundation and Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre Collaborate to Showcase Student Artwork
Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a national nonprofit committed to helping students reach graduation day, is teaming up with the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre for its annual back-to-school art celebration. The collaboration aims to spotlight the creative talents of SYF academy students in a month-long exhibit starting August 2.
This exhibit is open to the entire community, providing an opportunity to celebrate the new school year while appreciating the artistic achievements of SYF students.
"We are thrilled to partner with The Phoenix Theatre to showcase the remarkable talents of our students," said Andrea Neely, President, and CEO of SYF. "Often, the voices and stories of our students are overlooked. This exhibit provides a platform for them to be seen and heard.”
The exhibit will kick off with an event from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 2, at the Michael O’Brien Gallery in the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre. Brief remarks will be given at 6 p.m. by representatives from SYF and The Phoenix Theatre.
"The Phoenix Theatre is committed to providing a space where diverse voices can be heard and celebrated," said William Powell, CEO, of Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre. "We are honored to collaborate with SYF to give these talented students the opportunity to share their art with the community."
“At Indianapolis Public Schools, we’re dedicated to making the arts accessible to all students because we understand the power that the arts have not only for students academically, but also for their social and emotional well-being,” said IPS Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson. “So, I’m very excited for our students from Simon Youth Academy to be able to share their works of art during this month-long exhibit at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre.”
Featuring artwork from alumni and current students of the former Simon Youth Academy at Circle Centre Mall, now merged with Simon Youth Graduation Academy at Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), the exhibit showcases photography under the guidance of Ron Hanson, the academy's photography teacher. Select pieces will be available for purchase.