Sisohpromatem Art Foundation Inc

Sisohpromatem is the word 'metamorphosis' spelled in reverse. Our name reflects the capacity of the arts to power growth and change, creating a metamorphosis not only of materials, but also of the art-makers and the communities in which they are active.

Along with creativity, the arts teach children problem-solving, discipline, focus, and mastery of a variety of life skills.  These provide a basis upon which to develop self-confidence and a sense of community.

With a special emphasis on underserved youth, Sisohpromatem Art Foundation, Inc. (SAF, Inc.) provides free and low cost arts programming to youth and families in a variety of outreach settings, including schools, community festivals, summer camps and other community events.  Throughout the year, we offer  "Art and the Environment" workshops at locations around the community in order to draw students' attention to environmental issues facing our local and world communities.

Founded in 2003, SAF, Inc. developed from outreach of the Heritage Art Center, a commercial art center dedicated to social change, and the brainchild and lifelong dream of Kenneth and Sonja Brooks.  Their interest in teaching children led them to offer free art activities at schools and community events. These activities have expanded and continue to serve youth and families today under the sponsorship of SAF, Inc.

Our signature youth programs are Summer StART and Art Club.  At our invitation, art teachers nominate students to participate in these programs. We offer scholarships and reduced fees to students participating in free meal programs, as well as to any family that requests financial assistance.

• Summer StART, now in its 14th year,  is a full-day art and food experience for 5th graders, to celebrate  promotion to middle school and inspire creative activities during the summer. 
• Art Club, in it's 5th year, is a year-round development program for 5th graders, and graduates of Art Club, which integrates art-making and awareness of community and social issues.  It nurtures art exploration and navigation of the world beyond the participants' doorsteps.

Parent: "My daughter Patience started ART CLUB when she was heading into the fifth grade in school.  She is now in the eighth grade. She gets the opportunity to make dear friends and form lasting relationships supported by the monthly meetings.  In addition...she gets the  benefit of being mentored by many different local artists and learns and try many different types of artistic expression.  She is constantly meeting new interesting people and learning about art and about life.  She comes home from her monthly meetings and teaches her siblings the awesome things she has learned and that warms my heart as a mother.  I know Ms Sonja and all the other helpers and artists truly care about my daughter and that she is in a safe place to learn and explore. I wish all kids had an excellent outlet such as ART CLUB. - Jamie Baker

Daughter Patience:  I'm in the 8th grade and I have been in ART CLUB for 4 years . During those years I have learned so much from ART CLUB like character, confidence, and social skills.  I have made lots of friends that I never would have made without ART CLUB. I have recently moved away from Lexington but my mom still drives me to ART CLUB every month because it means that much to me.  I am looking forward to being a mentor for younger ART CLUBBERS and if there was no ART CLUB I would be so sad.  I am very thankful to have been chosen to come to ART CLUB.