Art Central Foundation

The Art Central Foundation (ACF) believes in the power of building self-reliance and confidence in students through visual art and entrepreneurship.  There are three distinct “pay-what-you-can” programs offered to under-resourced students from Middletown and the seven surrounding school districts.  More than 70% of our families contribute nothing financially.

Its Art Workshop Program provides in-depth art education by teaching technique, the cultural & historical significance of the media and through unique experiences outside the classroom.  Over 1,900 regional Young Artists have received tens of thousands of hours of visual art instruction through this program.

Its Guerilla Art Project allows students to participate in the production of public art, working alongside professional artists, some being paid as apprentices.  Over 100 Young Artists have worked on these pieces, learning the value of teamwork and community engagement.

Its Artists @ Work program gives older students a glimpse into the world of professional art & teaches them how to build a business around their craft. Through this program, students learn to manage a co-operative gallery space in the Middletown Pendleton Art Center.  Fifty Young Artists have graduated the program, some who continue to create and sell their work. ACF seeks funding for equipment to help teach students how to track their sales, inventory, and process payments.  Additionally, students will create original digital art designs to use on a variety of products that they can market & sell in the Artists @ Work space.