December 22, 2005

YA/YA's Post Katrina Update
The extensive impact of Hurricane Katrina forced YA/YA to suspend fall 2005 programs. Thanks to the support and devotion of YA/YA's friends and partners, YA/YA remains committed to its core mission. In 2006, YA/YA will initiate New Orleans-based programs, serving young artists who have returned to the city. Learn more here.

Please consider supporting YA/YA by making a year-end, tax-deductible donation today via PayPal or by contacting Ann Schnieders at 646-753-2704 or ann@yayainc.com. Your gift will help revive New Orleans' arts community by investing in our city's future creative leaders. Donate Now!

2006 Programs
Through partnerships with New Orleans Outreach and the University of New Orleans, YA/YA programs include:

Silk-screening & Painting Studio Workshops
Capdau/Nelson Charter School K-8
Urban Heroes Storytelling and Mural Project
Green/New Orleans Charter Middle School
Millinery Apprenticeships
New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School

Kitty Carlisle Hart Hosts YA/YA Event
Famed stage and screen actress Kitty Carlisle Hart, a New Orleans native, hosted a fundraising event for YA/YA in September at her Manhattan apartment. The event kicked off an emergency relief fund that has raised more than $35,000 to date, with pledge cards still rolling in. Make your own contribution to YA/YA.

YA/YA staff joins Crossroads and Douglas High School students from the 9th Ward for a homecoming in the New Orleans tradition of a Second Line to morn and rejoice in a new beginning on November 12, 2005 in the Tremщ neighborhood.

Artist Spotlight

Congratulations to Derroles Jefferson, who has been accepted into Parsons School of Design in New York after evacuating with her family.

"I have had my most major life experiences through this organization. I think of YA/YA now as a family more than an organization. YA/YA has given me opportunities that I would not have imagined -- including the trip here to New York to enroll at Parsons. Attending Parsons became a positive outcome of the horrible circumstance that snatched me away from my life in New Orleans." Ц Derroles

Special Message to YA/YA Community

If you are a current YA/YA artist, YA/YA professional artist mentor or a YA/YA partner, please contact Rondell Crier to update your contact information so that we can stay in touch with you.