ARTE LIBRE VA

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Arte Libre VA created Free ALVA Art Kits that were available free of charge to youth in need throughout the community.  Supported by the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley and individual donors, Arte Libre VA was able to partner with youth serving community organizations such as Virginia Avenue Charlotte Dehart Elementary School, the Youth Development Center, The Kids Club of the Northern Shenandoah Valley, I’m Just Me Movement, Fremont Street Nursery, and the Laurel Center to distribute 1309 Free ALVA Art Kits.  In 2021 Arte Libre VA also added Bright Futures and Frederick County Parks and Recreation as partners, and distributed an additional 150 Free ALVA Art Kits.  The Free ALVA Art Kit program also enabled Arte Libre VA to pay working visual artists to create original coloring pages to be included in the Art Kits.  Youth around the Winchester and Frederick County community were able to be inspired by a diverse group of BIPOC and local working artists, while also supporting one of the sectors hit hardest by the pandemic.