In this season of giving, VAI is providing enriching and therapeutic art outreach experiences and expanding art education opportunities to further our local reach. 100% of Give heART’s donated funds will directly help students with financial need (ages 18 & under).

We sincerely believe that high quality visual arts education changes lives, helping each student to grow their creative skills and build confidence that will serve them for a lifetime. You can read a beautiful story about one of our past students below, or jump to the bottom of this page to find the donation form.

Sara Roller

VAI Scholarship Recipient

Sara began taking classes at the Visual Art Institute when she was 13 years old, and continued throughout high school. Over time, she created a large collection of impressive work, including many strong drawings and paintings from VAI’s Summer Figure Academy. Sara was awarded talent-based scholarships to different art colleges after graduation, including School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and Pilchuck Glass School in Washington. She now works as a professional glass artist in Los Angeles.

The financial support of generous VAI donors enriched Sara’s teenage years with inspiring creative experiences and high quality technical instruction.

When asked about her experience as a student at VAI, Sara said:

“The Visual Art Institute changed my life. I met one of my very best friends my first year attending classes. It was a space I knew was always safe for creativity, connection and growth. I continue to take classes as an adult. VAI is an incredible organization that has allowed me to continue my love for figurative work and creative expression in all mediums.”

Whether you are able to give $5, $25, $100 or more, your generosity will support local young people, who would otherwise not have the funds to participate in high quality art classes.

Please consider this special cause and Give heART today by using the form below.