San Francisco’s De Marillac Academy Creates Arts Facility Thanks to the Good Tidings and LeRoy Neiman Foundations

October 6, 2014

On August 28, 2014, the LeRoy Neiman Foundation, the Good Tidings Foundation, and De Marillac Academy dedicated The LeRoy Neiman Art Studio for Youth at De Marillac Academy in the economically disadvantaged Tenderloin District of San Francisco, CA.

 

The Neiman Art Studio is De Marillac Academy’s first on-site arts education facility. The Academy serves hundreds of at risk students and their families every year in various ways: at risk students from the fourth through eighth grade in its school program, high school and post-secondary age youth in its unique graduate support program, and families in its clinical and family support program. The Academy’s art classes are being taught by Rebecca Shannon, the Good Tidings Foundation’s art instructor.

 

“We are blessed by our amazing partnership with both the Good Tidings Foundation and the LeRoy Neiman Foundation,” said Michael Daniels, Ed.D., President and CEO of De Marillac Academy. “Thanks to their vision, generosity and hard work, we are now able to provide in-school classes to help our students develop their creativity and reach their potential. A commitment to the arts is a hallmark of our holistic educational experience, which will now be forever enriched by The LeRoy Neiman Art Studio for Youth.”

 

“Every day, De Marillac Academy works closely with students and others it supports to raise their awareness of the possibilities life has to offer through education and instruction,” said Larry Harper, Executive Director of the Good Tidings Foundation. “All too often, arts education is an afterthought in today’s schools. We are privileged to work with the Academy’s visionary leadership to bring arts education into their building and the lives of their curious and courageous students and the many others that the Academy supports. This studio will give students a positive way to express themselves. It is a special place where LeRoy would have loved to sketch and paint.”  

 

Speaking at the dedication, Steven Bond, president of the LeRoy Neiman Foundation, said, “Today, as I look over the new facilities at the De Marillac Academy – a great organization that champions education, teamwork, and art on behalf of students regardless of heritage or race – I am in awe of how much those who have so little are able to do for those who have even less. LeRoy would be honored by the images on the walls found here and for being a symbol of achievement, of success, and, most of all, of hope. The LeRoy Neiman Foundation is proud and honored to be part of Good Tidings’ efforts, of De Marillac Academy’s commitment to the children under its care, and the work and love and joy that students who will pass through these doors will experience for years to come.”

 

The Neiman Art Studio for Youth joins the LeRoy Neiman Art Centers at New Traditions School, San Francisco, CA and the LeRoy Neiman Art Center for Youth at Amesti School in Watsonville, CA as arts education initiatives developed by the Good Tidings Foundation and funded by the LeRoy Neiman Foundation.  

 

De Marillac Academy is an educational family that provides an innovative, comprehensive and accessible Catholic education in the Lasallian and Vincentian traditions.  De Marillac educates low-income, underserved children, youth, and families of the Tenderloin and surrounding communities through an innovative school program and a dynamic graduate support program that continues through high school and beyond.  Every day, De Marillac partners with low-income families to break the cycle of poverty through education.

 

The Good Tidings Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 children’s charity that looks to equally support arts, education, athletics and dreams for youth from communities of need in the Greater Bay Area.

 

The LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation seeks to perpetuate the legacy and philanthropic spirit of LeRoy Neiman, and to advance and share the impact of his life, his ideals and artwork in the US and throughout the world. The Foundation supports organizations that promote the study, improvement and advancement of the arts and provide opportunities for at-risk youth to develop paths to successful futures.