Mission

Our mission is to inspire creativity, kindness, and confidence in our youth through artistic expression and mutual respect. “Do art. Be kind.”

The Big Idea

One of our primary goals at YAC is ensuring each YACster discovers their creative potential. We foster their original ideas, innovation, imagination, and expression. But we can’t do this to the best of our ability without incorporating the latest in creative technology. While the foundational fabric of painting, drawing, and sculpture will always remain at the core of the YACster experience, introducing new and innovative tools like tablets, animation software, and updated desktop computers will give our young artists a leg up as they begin to explore career paths in creative fields. YAC alum Oliver Fredericksen, an illustrator and animator who has worked for companies such as Guayakí Yerba Mate and Billionaire Boys Club is advising us on tech upgrades and giving YACsters workshops in animation. We want to add more workshops teaching creative tech skills. Will you join us in bringing “YAC to the future”?

YAC was where I started my journey in all of my favorite mediums, where I started my longest-lasting friendships, and where I started my career in animation. As an alum, I want to see YAC evolve and flourish. My early work in animation started on YAC’s old iMacs and drawing tablets. As this technology ages, YACsters have less opportunities to experiment in mediums like animation or digital illustration. Having up-to-date technology allows YACsters to fall in love with a medium that may change their life, like it did mine. Directors Jesse and Marissa recently gave me the opportunity to teach an animation workshop, as well as start YAC’s first line of shirts. I think more alumni giving back in a meaningful way is crucial, as it would not only foster new opportunities for YACsters, but also help guide them on their journey.

- Oliver Fredericksen