LEAF IN SCHOOLS & STREETS CONNECTS TO THE COMMUNITY
Since its 2004 debut, LSS has featured talented and award-winning artists from across the globe and here in Western North Carolina. LSS’s work has inspired more than 20,000 Asheville area young people in schools, after-school programs, Children First/CIS Learning Centers, Asheville City & Buncombe County schools, YWCA of Asheville’s Future Vision Program, Latino Mentoring Program, The Swannanoa Youth Development Center, Eliada Homes and more through arts and music residencies. LSS has been expanding its collaborative work with organizations such as Asheville City Schools Foundation, Handmade in America, Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival (LAAFF), Concepts4Charity and more!
GRAND TOTALS 2004-May 2009
- 96 artists
- 42 schools
- 231 different outreach programs
- 23 after-school programs/community centers
- 20,832 youth experiencing residencies, workshops or performances
- 2,247 youth performing at LEAF
Spring & Fall 2009
- 32 artists
- 17 schools
- 42 different outreach programs
- 13 after-school programs / community centers
- 5,082 youth experiencing residencies, workshops or performances (1st time working with homeschoolers)
- 378 youth performing at LEAF
What’s the WORD on LEAF in SCHOOLS & STREETS?
Youth:
“In music all differences disappear.”
–Home School group student, Asheville, NC
“It felt like everyone liked my poem.”
–YWCA of Asheville-Future Vision program youth
Teacher:
“LEAF in Schools & Streets is a wonderful program that puts the students first. This program was able to stimulate latent creativity within each of my students. Students are now heavily interested in poetry, and they are excited not only to study the works and forms of renowned poets, but eager to share and work on original ideas. All an all, LEAF in School & Streets was able to reach every child, get them thinking, writing, and interacting with an audience. Furthermore, the effect of this program was able to reach beyond my class; it affected the whole school, as students excitedly spoke about their stage experience, and the journalism class put together an article that ran on the front page of our school paper. Thanks to the LEAF staff for helping to instill a love for the arts and foster creativity in the minds of our youth.”
-Gene Jensen, English Teacher, Charles D. Owen High School, Black Mountain, NC
Parent:
"It was a great experience and opened up new cultures to our child."
-Beth Myers, Pisgah Elementary, Candler, NC
“This came at the perfect time for my daughter. She left friends behind when we moved and needed a shot of confidence.”
-Joan Werning; Home School group, Asheville, NC
Teaching Artist:
“Teaching for LEAF in Schools & Streets is an unusual gift both to the children I work with as well as to myself. Through dance, the children and I explore teamwork, creativity and expression. Seeing the children grow and learn confidence as they exude joy through their dance is an amazing gift.”
-Lisa Zahiya, LSS Resident Teaching Artist 2008-2010
Collaborating Organization:
“LEAF in Schools & Street engages, excites and empowers students and teachers through performances and residencies they present with outstanding artists both locally and from all over the world. The program is enriching our community and beyond. I have attended many performances and residencies they have presented and it is thrilling to see students excited, engaged and participating in music, dance, poetry and puppetry. It is an honor and pleasure to partner with LEAF in Schools & Streets.”
-Norma Bradley, Director of Education, HandMade in America