“We’re excited we can put some of these funds into field trips,” said Andrea Hecht, Executive Director at Tools For Tomorrow (TFT). “We recently did Desert X and we now have a partnership with the Herb Alpert Gallery, bringing kids there to experience the art. Extra funding is so important because it can go towards those particular trips and provide a space for kids to experience new things.”

The resources will also help develop the organization’s theater program—Hecht hopes students can experience Coachella Valley Repertory and other groups in the area.

TFT, which sprang to life in 1998 under founder Rachel Druten’s vision, uses qualified teaching artists to curate a professionally designed curriculum, creating standout lessons in the visual arts, creative writing, music appreciation, and theatre.

These free classes are held weekly at a school site after regular school hours. TFT provides all supplies—from books to musical equipment—and even snacks.

The nonprofit’s reach now stretches far and wide. All Coachella Valley elementary schools are eligible. Currently programs are set in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Coachella, Bermuda Dunes, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, La Quinta, and Thousand Palms.

“Tools for Tomorrow gets children into safe spaces to explore their creative potential through hands hands-on art experiences,” Hecht explained. “We can use illustrated children’s books to inspire the children, for instance, and in that way, they learn more about artists, musicians, and writers.”

Students also have opportunities to do hands-on projects.

“Every child in the program gets an art kit,” Hecht added. “We also introduce high-end materials for projects like gel printing, model magic, oil pastels. It’s a great way for them to learn how to use all materials in their art kit— from painting to watercolor pencils.”

The nonprofit also inspires students with various artists, from musicians to writers, where they can take what they’ve learned and create their own hands-on projects.

“In that way, they can learn to express their feelings and connect with their classmates,” Hecht said. “They build community, and learn to work together, collaborating, especially in the theater programs. They also learn problem solving, and that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that nobody’s perfect.”

Understanding that taking risks can be a good thing factors into the unique learning mix here.

“They get to have a safe space to be kids and to have fun, creatively,” Hecht said.

This 2025-’26 school year found TFT reaching more than 1,200 students in the Coachella Valley in 22 schools. In fact, all 15 Palm Springs Unified School District elementary schools have benefitted from the program, alongside six Desert Sands Unified School District schools, and Coral Mountain Academy in the Coachella Valley Unified School District.

Hecht has been with the organization for 18 years. She says she loves visiting classrooms and being a witness to the excitement students share.

“It’s a joy to notice the energy around doing the projects,” she said. “It’s remarkable to watch them, hear the stories, see the pictures, and witness them learn, step by step. I went into one classroom where they were going to do a collage with different colored papers. In this case, they were inspired by bees.”

One student was trying to draw a bee’s eyes, in fact, and kept repeating, “I can’t do it. I can’t do it.”

“We worked with him and gave him a few tips and tricks on how to cut paper,” Hecht added. “Sure enough, he was able to use some other materials and stickers, and then when he wanted to draw beehives, the volunteer showed him how to make a straight line by using paper. He managed to put it all together, and he was so excited and so proud of himself. Because he did it himself.

“It’s always inspiring to see things like that,” she added.

This story originally appeared in the Desert Sun, 2026.

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The Palm Springs structure, reconceived by architect Susan Secoy Jensen, recently reopened as the new locale for Dezart Performs, and the buzz is building—for the property and the performing arts enterprise. 

A recent grant from Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) through the FitzDell Gifting Fund is yet another boost as Dezart creates a new path into the future. 

“We spent last spring, into the summer, and into early fall converting the church into a theater performing arts space,” said Michael Shaw, Co-founder and Artistic Director of Dezart Performs, noting that the organization was grateful to receive a grant from The FitzDell Gifting Fund through IECF.  

The Donor Advised Fund was established at IECF by donors Jack Fitzsimmons and Walter Gendell to support various causes in in the region. 

“We’ve been receiving gifts along the way to help this transition, and it’s been a big campaign,” Shaw said. “But the FitzDell Gifting Fund was the first who gave to the campaign for the church and the renovation. Additionally, through the fund, a gift was made towards a naming opportunity—including name on the seats of our new theater chairs, which will be installed during Phase Two of this project.” 

There have been many opportunities for patrons and donors to support the renovation, Shaw added—from lighting aspects and a new stage to seats, equipment, and ADA-compliant modifications. 

The new 6,000 square foot playhouse will help meet the expanding needs of the company’s continuous growth and serve as a hub for diverse activities, community events, and cultural engagement.  

Shaw says the new playhouse will increase the excitement of the local arts scene, creating more opportunities for a variety of voices and talents to represented and celebrated.  

One-hundred-fifty seats will occupy the fully equipped theater. There are dressing rooms, a rehearsal hall, meeting rooms, and lobby with box office and bar.  

“The transformation of this stunning Albert Frey-designed church into a state-of-the-art professional theater is not just a dream come true; it’s a profound honor,” Shaw noted last year in a statement. “We are privileged to have this unique and rare opportunity to breathe new life into this architectural gem.” 

The theater opened in November last year. Shaw said Phase Two of the revamps begins in April. In the meantime, there’s plenty of theater to be had.  

Dezart recently wrapped production of “Eureka Day” Jan. 25. Up next: The West Coast Premiere of “Destroying David” by Jason Odell Williams, which is set for Feb. 26, and will run through March 8. The production revolves around an art restorer/docent, who gives the audience a private after-hours tour of Michelangelo’s David at Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia.  

“Jason is a wonderful playwright and has become a dear friend,” Shaw said. “We held the regional premiere of his ‘Church and State,’ about eight years ago at our original location, and it did very well. ‘Destroying David’ is a fascinating piece; a powerful one-person play that is very interactive with the audience, who become ‘tourists’ touring the gallery.  

Look for a unique relationship to form between the docent and the audience. 

“The docent raises the question, ‘How permanent is art supposed to be? Does art have an infinite life? Or is there a point where it’s no longer significant?’” Shaw said. “There’s this conversation about, ‘What if I destroyed the [Michelangelo’s] David? What if we got rid of this 300-plus-year-old piece of work?’ The message of the play is not so much about art as it is the docent’s dealing with grief of the loss of their son named David. It’s a lot about life and loss.” 

Then, come April, look for Tony-Award-winner “Love! Valour! Compassion!,” which rounds out the season. 

Meanwhile, Dezart continues to raise major gifts to complete Phase Two.  

“We continue to develop new opportunities for everyone to be a part of this,” Shaw said. “We have something called, ‘Circle of Friends,’ which is designated for donors who give us contributions between $2,500 and $10,000. They’re names would be permanently displayed on the walls of the theater. They’re also mentioned in all our programs. 

“We’re excited about that opportunity, and all the support,” Shaw added. “The FitzDell Gifting Fund is just one element of this piece of the puzzle that continues to grow. It’s a wonderful time.” 

This story originally appeared in the Desert Sun, February, 2026.

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“The IECF grant will greatly help us expand our community outreach programs,” said Annie Reutinger, Executive Manager of The Artists Council. “The Artists Council has been around for more than 50 years—at one point, it was part of the Palm Springs Art Museum—but seven years ago they spun us off and we regrouped and became a nonprofit.”

At the time, the Council had 187 members.

“Now, we have more than 700,” Reutinger said. “We’re located in Palm Desert and celebrating our fifth year of operating in a new building. The grant comes at a good time.”

The Artists Council will utilize the IECF resources in several ways. Reutinger is quick to note one beneficiary: The Young Artists Exhibition.

“We work with about 14 to 17 high schools throughout the Coachella Valley,” she said. “We typically have 120 students submit artwork for the show, which happens each spring.”

The work begins long before, however. The Artists Council sends perspectives to art teachers in fall, giving students ample time to work creatively in their classes.

“Eventually, they submit the artwork, and we have them framed,” Reutinger said. “We want to feature the artwork on the walls and have a reception for the kids and their families. But we also want to make the exhibit available for other kids so that they can come see their classmates’ work.”

Many of these kids haven’t been in a lot of museums, she added.

“You can tell when they walk in, because they’re just in awe of the building,” Reutinger mused. “We’re hoping to sponsor more events like that this year—bus trips and working with the teachers to bring in other students, either from art classes or from other classes, maybe 10 students from their high school.”

Another benefit of the grant involves scheduling special art classes for people living with Alzheimer’s. To that end, the Council is working together with the Palm Desert chapter of the Alzheimer’s organization, Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter.

“In the past, we were able to offer two of these classes a month,” Reutinger said. “Those with Alzheimer’s come with either a family member or a caretaker, and they, too, are also allowed to participate in the class. It’s a good bonding and communication exercise and just a nice way for the people with Alzheimer’s to express themselves.”

She added that the grant allowed the Council to add an additional third class on the third Tuesday of a month. The funding received will help pay for the art instructor and to have staff on hand to open the building and make sure everything’s functioning correctly.

“We supply all the art supplies, too—different paints and paper and whatever it is that the instructor guides people through in the lesson,” Reutinger noted, adding that about 22 people partake in each class.

These are but two examples of the organization’s enduring legacy in the region.

The Artists Council has long promoted the art and artists of the Coachella Valley and beyond. Its mission to “elevate” its artist members “through exhibitions, professional development, and impactful community engagement” has been well received.

Reutinger encourages people to explore the Council’s various programs, exhibitions, art and business-of-art classes, as well as its many lectures, workshops, salons, and social gatherings it offers.

Looking ahead, art lovers will appreciate the Council’s unique partnership with Modernism Week in February.

“It will be our biggest juried art show of the year,” Reutinger said, noting that it’s the organization’s first time pairing the Modernism Week organizers.

“We will host free demonstrations and lectures for the public during that time,” she said. “It will be related to modernism art, design, and architecture. We’re very excited about this new collaboration.”

And mark your calendars: the Young Artists Exhibition runs April 8-19.

This story originally appeared in the Desert Sun, February, 2026.

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An Inland Empire Community Foundation grant via the James Bernard and Mildred Jordan Tucker Fund has given that nonprofit an opportunity to create accessible ramps coming into the studio and four accessible doors and entryways into the space for the artists. 

“The impact of the grant is huge,” said Lauren Romero, Program Director at Upland Art Studio, which resides within the center. “Before this, we would have to rely on cameras and staff being near a door, but now an artist is able to access the building easily.” 

Increasing accessibility—literally—offers an easier pathway to create art inside the studio, which was established in 1989. Tierra del Sol, however, sprang to life in 1971 in Sunland, thanks to the valiant efforts of parents in the region who wanted an alternative to institutional care for their children.  

What began as a path to self-advocacy quickly turned into much more.  

Residents wanted sons and daughters to be viewed as permanent members of their families and not abandoned to the state. Over time, Tierra del Sol became revered for empowering people with developmental disabilities through various programs, such and Workforce Development, College to Career and Careers in the Art. 

“It’s important to know that currently we have 75 artists that use this beautiful creative space on a daily basis and that we are open to the community and the public,” Romero said. “Our artists make their own work, but they also teach and lead workshops that are open to the public—and for all ages as well.” 

Romero added that the art center has a significant goal in mind. 

“We’re trying to have community participation on all levels, whether that’s us going out into the community, providing workshops led by our folks, but also inviting the community into our big, beautiful space so that it can be shared,” she said. 

All the artists who come to the studios to work receive services through regional centers.  

“These are services based on a physical or developmental disability,” Romero said. “These folks have made a choice in their career path as artists. They come to us with an interest in creating their own work and their own body of work, but also in how they can kind of create a career, income, and employment in the arts.” 

“Some of the other ways that they do that are by offering public workshops and curating shows,” she added. “They work on multiple levels based on their preference.” 

Artists of varying ages filter into this eclectic mix, too.  

“We serve anywhere from 18 and up, and we have a couple folks in their seventies,” Romero said, noting the average age of artists on hand right now is 25. 

“We have all ages and stages of life in adulthood coming here,” she said. “They access materials and supplies needed to make their work. We have online shows. We have a gallery in West Hollywood that features their work, and we submit to shows off-site as well. We really do our best to promote our artists and their work.” 

Yet another interesting art center component is BLVD: Pottery & Marketplace. The handmade crafts studio brings artisanal and heritage pieces back into the local community. Here, traditional craft materials and processes are incorporated to find new ways of expression, while also combining the distinction between art and craft. 

Learn more at tierradelsol.org. 

This story originally appeared in the Press Enterprise, September 2025.

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The Aaron Norris Creative Fund recently completed its second round of grantmaking to arts organizations in Riverside. The grants celebration event included an unveiling of a mural in downtown Riverside honoring Norris, who died in 2022 after battling Stage 4 Intimal Sarcoma.

“We were able to fund the mural and bring in local artist Mano Mirande,” said Joey Romero, who oversees the fund, which Norris established before his death, and which is aided by efforts of Inland Empire Community Foundation.  

The mural’s theme is “Time, Talent, Treasure.” 

“Before Aaron passed, he had a TED Talk that touched on many interesting things,” Romero said, “but he spoke about collecting and cherishing your champions, and to be generous with your time, talent, and your treasure.” 

To that end, the left-hand side of the new mural features clocks. A portrait of Norris is featured in the middle, representing the “talent” portion of this creative theme. Other aspects of the mural include several Riverside “treasures,” such as iconic buildings in the region. 

“The mural will draw attention,” Romero said. “We hope that when people look at it, they would think, ‘Wow, that’s really colorful. That’s a really great piece of art, and oh, and who’s that guy?’” 

In just two years of actively granting awards, the Aaron Norris Creative Fund has awarded $53,500 to support the arts locally. This year’s grantees are a diverse mix of organizations, including Riverside Arts Academy, which received $9,600.  

Riverside Children’s Theatre was given $5,000. Riverside Ballet Folklorico garnered $2,500 while Rockstars of Tomorrow and Empower Edutainment each received $1,500.

“The arts helped Aaron find his voice and find the courage to come out when he did,” Romero said. “He flourished in the arts and performing, and specifically with the Riverside Children’s Theatre, and the group of friends that allowed him to be his true self.  

“His hope was that the arts could do that for other people, not only just kids,” Romero added. “That’s why he created the fund. And it’s already being felt. In our first year, we funded 12 scholarships to the Riverside Arts Academy.” 

This year, the fund distributed another eight scholarships to several school districts in the region, paving the way for students to attend Riverside Arts Academy free of charge. 

“This allows kids to learn music, how to play instruments, learn acting and to be able to participate,” Romero said. “They can learn with confidence and just be able to appreciate the arts. Maybe they wouldn’t have done so had this fund not been available.” 

Elsewhere, the fund also created opportunities for six children in the area to learn Ballet Folklorico at Riverside Ballet Folklorico.  

Meanwhile, Rockstars of Tomorrow, which offers top-tier music lessons, recording, artist development, and live performance education, was also positively impacted by the fund. 

“We inspired them to create a 501(c)3, and they’ll create a scholarship fund and match our gift,” Romero said. “That way, they can go ahead and just start buying instruments. They can put little rock groups together and teach kids songs. Then, instead of just keeping them in the classroom, they actually go and get gigs for the kids in the community.”

To be sure, the ripple effects of the fund are already being felt. Romero says that because the recent mural event was so well-received, he was able to create an advisory board, which meets monthly, and includes a mix of people who volunteered in the past or grew up with Norris.  

In addition to Romero, the board includes Brent Lee, Eileen Hards, Khevin Curry, Eugene Kim, James Persinger, Shayna Golbaf, and Kyley Demshki. 

For Romero, it’s another win for the fund, which is creating a sea change in the region. 

“Our mural was even bigger than others,” Romero said. “And it was at a great facility—the Riverside County Office of Education—so we could have a stage, better sound, and food. More than 150 people showed up.” 

The mural is located at University Avenue and Lemon Street across from the Division 9 Gallery. 

Learn more about the Aaron Norris Creative Fund at iegives.org/funds/aaron-norris-creative-fund/. 

This story originally appeared in the Press Enterprise, July 2025.

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A recent grant from Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) is helping one non-profit continue its mission to rebuild the lives of at-risk children and their families. 

IECF distributed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund to Oak Grove Center, a residential, educational, and treatment center with multiple campuses for at-risk and special needs youth. The federal program, which sprang to life in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, offers financial relief to state, local, territorial, and tribal governments. 

“Most of our kids have really struggled with no self-esteem and safety issues,” said Tammy Wilson, CEO of Oak Grove Center. “The grant helped our arts program, which provides healing opportunities. Nobody reimburses that. We do fundraising, obviously, but this grant was very helpful, especially coming off the COVID years, where there have been issues with money and fundraisers that were canceled.”

The center’s diverse programming stands out, in fact, encompassing dance, performing arts, music, video creation, and so much more. 

Oak Grove’s sports program, for instance, provides access to a variety of sports throughout the year, ranging from basketball and cross country to soccer, volleyball, and track and field. Elsewhere, the center’s autism program provides a combination of academic, social, and vocational skills services to students on the autism spectrum.

Wilson credits the arts program for helping build character and instilling hope.

“It therapeutic for the kids to perform,” she added.

“A lot of times they’re coming from backgrounds where they haven’t been exposed to the arts at all. So, to be part of a team and then part of a production, even if it’s helping behind scenes, gives them a sense of connection and belonging.”

To that end, children struggling with a history of trauma, depression or child abuse are able to find healing and personal freedom via self-expression and deeper connections with others.  

Wilson says the program has been a vital tool to help children move “beyond painful pasts.”

Founded in 1989, Oak Grove Center now serves more than 800 children and teens annually. The organization is licensed by the California Department of Social Services as a Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program. It is accredited by the Joint Commission and Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Wilson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, has been with the organization since 1991 and its CEO since 2004.

Witnessing lives transform has been eye-opening over the years, but so have shifts in government funding.

“What’s happened over time is that we’ve had to take fewer dependents because of this whole bureaucracy thing,” Wilson said. “That’s affected funding because the dollars for mental health were only going to be passed on to small programs. Small programs can’t afford some of the things that we’re doing, which are enrichment-related and very high-quality mental health services.”

She noted the recent cuts in government funding this year.

“We’re also a little bit worried about the current administration and where things are headed,” she added. “I was in Sacramento recently lobbying for some of the budget needs, not just for places like Oak Grove, but for the foster family agencies and transitional housing programs (THP), including those for LGBTQ youth.”

Oak Grove Center offers a THP for 18- to 21-year-olds in Palm Springs, in fact. It’s called Oak Grove Sanctuary Palm Springs.

“We would like to be able to serve young adults from other counties just besides Riverside, because that’s such a specialty population,” she said. “So, if you’re LGBTQ, we’d like you to be able to go there even if you’re from a different county.”

As the organization heads deeper into 2025, Wilson is eager to see more participants in the arts program. 

In the meantime, mark your calendars: the center’s So-Cal Chef Open is Aug. 12. The annual benefit, hosted by Peltzer Winery in Temecula, features savvy chefs competing for top honors—all for a good cause.

Learn more at oakgrovecenter.org.

This story originally appeared in the Press Enterprise, June 2025.

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The Indigenous Coachella ceremonial group has long been a mission to provide safe, sacred, and healing space where participants can freely express themselves through Mexica/Aztec dance and culture. A recent grant from Inland Empire Community Foundation through the Community Economic Resilience Fund Program (CERF) is now strengthening the group’s ability to meet the “critical needs” of the community. 

“The grant really enables us to secure building space and expand services, directly impacting individuals by providing a safe, healing environment, and programming,” said Gabriela Armeta, Executive Director of Circulo Azteca Citlaltonac. “Specifically, it allowed us to hire additional staff, purchase necessary equipment, and develop new curricula, resulting in a 50 percent increase in program participation.”  

Improved client satisfaction scores came along with that as did the successful launch of a new community initiative.  

“We feel empowered to make a more significant and lasting positive impact on the lives of those we serve,” Armeta added. 

Other benefits stand out, too. 

As an Indigenous culture and resource center, the organization impacts the “modern world” through integrating ancestral beliefs and fostering a community that embraces diverse traditions and unity.  

“We believe in co-creating a community, as no single person or organization can lead alone,” Armeta said. “Our success is measured by the growth of traditions, not organizational achievements.” 

Through Danza performances—a traditional ceremonial community focused on educating and respecting indigenous traditions while fostering community engagement—the group hopes to educate and leave lasting impressions about its heritage.

“And reaching places our ancestors never imagined,” Armeta added. “Few organizations in our region focus on preserving heritage, and we are honored to contribute to local culture.” 

Armeta founded the organization back in 2007. Now operating primarily from Danza Azteca Citlaltonac Indigenous Cultural Center, the group’s reach extends to teachers, organizations, city staff, and other community members. 

The group has also partnered with The Libros Lincoln Heights bookstore, which supports Latino authors. A portion of book sales is donated to the group’s scholarship fund for high school seniors and undergraduates. 

The actual sacred dance itself is significant. It symbolizes “humanity’s timeless quest for cosmic harmony and unity.” It encompasses both physical and spiritual aspects. Chants are performed during these Aztec Dance rituals.  

The experience has been described as a form of prayer and an all-encompassing way of life if not a unique means to communicate with others. 

The duality inherent in ancient Aztec culture is also on play. One side of the dance is associated with women—nightfall, earth, jaguars, for instance. The other side of the dance is linked to men—eagles, daylight, water. 

Armeta says that entertainment is not the principal objective. It’s really about honoring “the elements,” and forming a link with the cosmos.  

Instruments are also involved, such as the concha de armadillo (armadillo conch) guitar, drums (huehuétl and teponastli), and ankle and hand rattles (ayoyotes and ayacachtlis). Dancers gather and create a kind of corporal expression. This allows a deeper connection with mother nature and the group’s ancestors. 

Creating a safe, inclusive space is vital, Armeta said.  

“Here, participants can learn alternative holistic practices, build community, and address social justice efforts, such as advocacy and mental health, through our Indigenous talking healing circles,” she added. “I love sharing my culture, traditions, and traditional healing practices.” 

Learn more at circulocitlaltonac.com. 

This article originally appeared in the Desert Sun, Februrary, 2025.

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A grant from Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) through the Riverside County Nonprofit Assistance Fund will allow Riverside Arts Academy (RAA) to expand its faculty. Executive and artistic director Adam Karelin said those resources come at a pivotal time as the academy continues to grow. 

“We’re able to now grow the size of our impact,” Karelin said. “We think of impact not just in terms of the raw number of students who are served, but how many hours a week are those students spending in our program. We have an average that’s higher than three hours a week per student receiving music instruction. So, we’re really looking at things like the quality of instructors.”

Since receiving the grant, the intrepid nonprofit was able to conduct broader searches for high-quality faculty members. To that end, it eventually hired a new director for its popular mariachi program, Alex Treviño II. 

“Alex comes to us with a background in professional mariachi and in music education where he has played with some of the best mariachi ensembles in the world,” Karelin said, noting that RAA was able to recruit the performer from Mariachi los Camperos, the Grammy Award-winning mariachi ensemble of which he was a valued member.

“He was able to fly out to the Latin Grammys to play there, then fly back to teach his class on Saturdays here at the Riverside Arts Academy,” Karelin added. “When we’re able to receive this kind of support from an organization like IECF, we’re able to invest in quality again, not just in the number of students served, but the quality of service that we’re able to provide.”

Those services are revered, in fact. Riverside Arts Academy has grown considerably over the years. At its core, it is a significant mentoring program in the region, providing inspirational and creative arts education to children and youth of Riverside as a tool for community transformation. 

Founding President Collette Lee remains a stronghold here, offering many hours of weekly instruction in arts classes that run the gamut from band and strings to mariachi. Orchestra and percussion. More than 2,000 students are served annually, with several standout groups emerging into the spotlight. 

Those include the following ensembles: the Riverside Youth Orchestra, the Riverside Honor Band, the Riverside Children’s Choir, and the Mariachi Juvenil de Riverside, all of which perform at regional events and shows. 

And while many locals may be aware of the organization’s flagship program in the Cesar Chavez Community Center, Karelin points out that the organization’s world is much broader than the well-known outpost.

“The majority of the 500 students in our program… we see them at their school sites in after-school programs that are partnerships with Riverside Unified, Alvord Unified, and the Jurupa Unified School District,” Karelin said. “We’ve served 15 public schools this year that way, again, at specific school sites. We love our Saturday program. Of course, that’s where everybody kind of comes together from all of our different sites, students from all across the region are able to convene. But again, it’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

This year, RAA will provide classes seven days a week to students ages 7 to 18.” We’ve got orchestra, choir, band, mariachi, and our new guitar program,” Karelin added.

On the horizon: A gala. The 2025 “Rising Stars” gala takes place on February 1. Visit the website for tickets and more information.

Learn more at riversideartsacademy.com.

This article originally appeared in the Press-Enterprise, January 2025.

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TFT’s “Singing in the Rain” gala, which takes place on Feb. 24 at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, will honor KESQ’s chief meteorologist Patrick Evans. The event is directed by local favorite, actress/author Joyce Bulifant and emceed by KESQ’s Karen Devine. TFT’s own theatre troupe and other guest performers are on the ticket.

Funds raised go to the nonprofit’s free after-school programs, which service children ages 7 to 11 in several school districts.

“The arts really have the power to transform a child’s life,” said Andrea Hecht TFT’s Executive Director. “And with everything that’s happening, it also is a way of healing. It helps with mental health; processing feelings and emotions and dealing with the challenges that we’re having.

“But it also gives children the opportunity to try new things,” she added.

Founded in 1989, TFT has served more than 21,000 children in the Coachella Valley. More than 90 percent of TFT students are socioeconomically disadvantaged, Hecht noted, and 83 percent are Hispanic or Latino. About 35 percent are English learners while 11 percent have disabilities.

Six percent are homeless.

During the 2023-2024 school year, TFT served more than 1200 students in 27 schools. That includes 15 schools in PSUSD and 12 schools in Desert Sands Unified School District. Also on the nonprofit’s long list of services is a summer program at the Boys & Girls Club in Cathedral City.  

Hecht added that TFT plans to reach more than 1200 students this year.

To be sure, the upcoming gala is a stellar opportunity for the nonprofit to not only honor a local agent of change but also expand its own reach in the Valley. A recent grant from the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) through the FitzDell Gifting Fund will assist on that front.

“Our recent grant will help us build up our art supplies and books specifically,” Hecht said. “We’re starting to integrate more books into our curriculum. A lot of the students in third, fourth, and fifth grade were just starting their education when the pandemic hit.

These were critical years for reading instruction.

“We used books to introduce artists or music, musicians, or learn more about historical characters or even maybe about space,” she noted. “Big books helped facilitate wonder, curiosity, and interest. Then we pair the books with hands-on art projects and encourage the kids to become better readers and lifelong learners, really; to learn something about a person or a subject and then use hands-on creativity.”

This aligns with TFT’s programs, which promote critical thinking skills, social-emotional development and a creative thought process through meaningful, multi-sensory artistic opportunities. 

In addition to the upcoming gala and the grant funding, TFT and La Quinta Art Celebration have partnered on a book project for students. The collaboration will raise funds for children’s literature books for students throughout the Valley to read in TFT’s Creative Clubs, or create related art and music projects, then take the books home to share with their siblings and family.

“I grew up in a very creative family,” Hecht said. “My mom was an art teacher, my dad a scientist and engineer. I always had the arts when I was a child. I grew up in the ’70s and ’80s and in elementary school, we had art and music in the classroom. It didn’t really occur to me that kids wouldn’t have art in the classroom; that it wouldn’t be a part of their regular curriculum until my kids started school and moved to the Valley.

“Being able to provide these kinds of creative experiences that share culture and give kids a way to be successful in the classroom, a safe place to explore, and take creative risks is incredibly important,” she added.

Learn more at toolsfortomorrow.org.

This article originally appeared in the Desert Sun, February 2025

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“We’re excited that the grant will help us fund our production of Falsettos because it will be only the second musical that we produced in our 17 years,” says Dezart Performs Artistic Director Michael Shaw. “It’s wonderful we’re getting funding to help put on this production because we’re not known for musicals.”

The performing arts organization’s 17th season launches in November with the 2019 Broadway political dark comedy Hillary And Clinton, running Nov. 15-24. The 2022 Pulitzer Prize winner Fat Ham, a modern-day Hamlet by James Ijames, follows, running Jan. 17 – 26. The Off-Broadway drama Grand Concourse premieres Feb. 28.

Falsettos, a Tony Award-winning musical written by William Finn and James Lapine with music and lyrics by Finn, will take place at The Pearl McManus Theater at the historic Palm Springs Woman’s Club.

“I thought this would be a great piece to do in the Valley because it speaks to the LGBTQ+ community,” Shaw says of the show. “It also speaks to an older generation, and it’s just intensely beautiful and rich in storytelling.”

The production is an inventive and contemporary musical about family, relationships, bar mitzvahs, baseball, and AIDS. Michael Rupert, Stephen Bogardus as Whizzer, Barbara Walsh, Chip Zien, and Jonathan Kaplan helmed the Broadway hit.

Shaw launched Dezart Performs in 2008 with Daniela Ryan at the Dezart One Gallery in the Backstreet Art District in Palm Springs. It captured attention from the get-go with its play readings of new works performed in the main gallery while both actors and the audience were surrounded by art.

“At the time, there were three gallery owners of this particular gallery,” Shaw recalls of the Dezart’s origins. “The artist wanted to create a salon-type setting in the gallery where you could have poetry readings, sketch readings, theatrical pieces, monologues, or even book readings. Then Daniela befriended the artist.

The connection was kismet. Ryan, a local actress who had also worked in Los Angeles, was soon commissioned to write a one-woman show. Shaw happened to be in the area for the weekend and was familiar with the artists but surprised to discover a performance there one night.

“I fell in love with Daniela’s piece and her talent,” he shares. “We eventually struck up a friendship and spearheaded the whole salon aspect in the gallery. And that was actually the legs to Dezart Performs.”

Today, the organization is thriving, thanks to its solid board of directors, long list of sponsors, and inventive programming.

On that note, heading into Season 17, Dezart Performs nabbed 26 nominations for the 38th annual Desert Star Awards, which honors Coachella Valley and High Desert communities’ theatrical performers from the 2023-2024 season. All the organization’s 2023-2024 productions were nominated in multiple categories, with all four of its season productions being nominated in the outstanding professional production categories. 

In addition, things are moving quickly with the next stage campaign, and the organization hopes to share some exciting news soon.

“We continue to raise funds,” Shaw says of the campaign, which has been in the silent phase for more than a year, with the goal to raise $2,200,000. “We’re very excited about the future.”

In addition to being used by Dezart Performs, the new venue will be a destination for other local businesses and nonprofits. The Dezart Playhouse is expected to open for the 2025-26 season.

“We continue to raise funds,” Shaw says of the campaign, which has been in the silent phase for more than a year, with the goal to raise $2,200,000. “We’re very excited about the future.”

Learn more at dezartperforms.org.

This article originally appeared in the Desert Sun, September 2024.

Stay up to date on all the good work we’re doing through the power of philanthropy. Sign up for our eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters, today.

The post Grantee Spotlight: Grant helps Dezart Performs stage vibrant musical in new season appeared first on IECF.