Community Spotlight on Little Picassos
Joy-filled art classes for kids
May 2023
Little Picassos is a nonprofit organization that provides free visual arts programs for kids from low-income families. Catering to children aged four to sixteen, Little Picassos teaches a variety of visual art forms, drawing inspiration from artists of color, and uses high-quality art materials. With the support of MYArts, Little Picassos has expanded its programming, enabling the organization to offer transformative art experiences to a greater number of children. Vincent Ogoti, MYArts Public Humanities Fellow, talked with Leora Saposnik, Little Picassos founder, to learn more.
Why did you choose “Little Picassos” for a name?
First, Picasso is an easily recognizable name. Second, we wanted to go beyond Picasso’s belief that “every child is an artist” to provide access to art education.
What inspired you to start Little Picassos?
What inspired me to start the organization was a combination of my two passions in life–children and art–and my family’s history. My father, a child of a single mother (and a professor), had his life transformed by dedicated teachers who believed in him and enabled him to pursue scholarship. Following his passing, I sought to honor him by volunteering at The Road Home in Madison, an organization that helps homeless families get back on their feet. As an artist, I would bring art supplies to the shelter and engage with the children there. One week, I met a family that touched my heart, a mother with four children. Her daughter’s encouragement to expand my efforts pushed me to write grants and develop a program that took three years to come to fruition. Not only did I want to ensure that black and brown children were recognized for their talents, but I also wanted the teachers in our program to be representative of the population we were working with. This approach allowed us to create an organization that honors my father’s legacy while making a meaningful impact on the lives of underserved children.
What kind of art does Little Picassos teach, and do you follow a particular training model?
We teach the children a variety of art forms, drawing inspiration from artists of color, both well-known and lesser-known. Each week, we develop a lesson based on a specific art style, ranging from acrylics to dot painting to spray painting reliefs. We have also explored mosaics, fiber arts, and other creative techniques. One of the key aspects of our program is ensuring that the children have access to high-quality art materials, as we believe this contributes significantly to their artistic growth and development.
Our approach to art training does not adhere to a specific model; we draw inspiration from educational philosophies that emphasize experiential learning. Our primary focus is fostering self-love in the children, ensuring they recognize their talents and gifts. By creating an environment where they feel supported and believed in, we aim to instill confidence in their abilities and help them grow as individuals through the medium of art.
Do you exhibit the art children produce?
Yes! Incorporated into our program is an annual art exhibition showcasing children’s creations. Throughout the year, we save all their art projects and organize a gallery opening at the end of the year, which we held at MYArts and will do so again this year. We invite families, community members, and donors to come and admire the children’s art, which is framed, mounted, and displayed. The event is complete with cake, celebrations, and graduation presents for the young artists. Additionally, we encourage the children to write their artist statements, preparing them for potential careers in the arts. Our program’s primary goal is not necessarily to create the best artists in the world but rather to instill self-belief and confidence in children who may have felt less than or have faced criticism at such a young age.
Do you offer programs in languages other than English?
Yes! We provide our programming in Spanish, with around 40 recorded lessons available in that language. Catering to our majority Latino and African American student population, we strive to make our programs inclusive and accessible to children from various cultural backgrounds.
How do you address diversity and inclusivity in your programming?
In order to promote diversity and inclusivity in our programming, we actively seek partnerships with organizations that serve children from diverse populations. The Road Home is one such organization, and we also collaborate with community centers like the Lussier Community Education Center and Meadowood Neighborhood Center. We also reach out to schools in close proximity to share our program information each year. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children, regardless of their background, to participate in our arts-based programs.
Little Picassos’ programming intentionally focuses on underserved children and relies on various funding sources and collaborations to ensure its success. The organization has established partnerships with organizations such as the American Girl Fund for Children, Epic Systems, Dane Arts, Capital Kids Fund, and MYArts. We encourage friends and well-wishers to donate to Little Picassos’ efforts in supporting underserved children in Madison.
Support Little Picassos!
Free Community Events at MYArts
Come to MYArts on Saturday, April 13, for a day of fun, free family activities.
Madison’s BIG SING with Onome
Starlight Theater at MYArts
Join the Big Sing presented by Madison Youth Choirs! All ages and all voices are welcome as MYC’s Guest Artist-in-Residence, Onome, invites us into her vocal playground where joy and infinite possibility create a community-wide singing experience like no other. Come and be reminded of the common humanity we share when we sing, learn from guest artists, and listen to the voices around us. Connect your voice to others in the community.
Youth Summer Resource Fair
MYArts building
Learn more about accessible summer activities for Madison-area youth and families: camps, classes, and community programs for kids of all ages.
Enjoy kid-friendly activities and snacks.
Presented by Seein’ is Believin’ and MYArts.
Come to MYArts on Saturday, April 13, for a day of fun, free family activities. Madison’s BIG SING with Onome 10-11am Starlight Theater at MYArts Join the Big Sing presented by Madison Youth Choirs! All ages and all voices are welcome as MYC’s Guest Artist-in-Residence, Onome, invites us into her vocal playground where joy […]
Thank you Junior League of Madison!
MYArts is sending a very special thank you to the Junior League of Madison (JLM) for a generous gift that supports MYArts’ work as a community resource.
JLM awarded MYArts a total of $75,000! This gift will enable the creation of a new, community-involved indoor mural project, as well as $50,000 for our Access Fund, which supports every single youth arts program that uses our facility. We couldn’t be more thrilled to receive this gift, and applaud JLM for supporting youth arts experiences throughout the greater Madison area.
We’re also delighted to be in the good company of the Madison Reading Project, who will be using a gift from JLM to fund their new Big Red Reading Bus, which will bring the joys of reading to thousands of kids.
The League has also established a $150,000 grant-making program, bringing the League’s current financial commitment to the community to nearly half a million dollars. “We invite women in the community to join our organization and realize the personal leadership skills they can develop and the positive community impact they can make. In its 35th year, the League is proud and honored to partner with Madison Reading Project (MRP) and MYArts, two growth-oriented nonprofit organizations,” said Barnes. “The Junior League is pleased to celebrate what they have done and what they will continue to do in the years ahead.”
MYArts is proud to have worked with over 60 youth arts programs in our first two years of operation. Community support is what allows us to do this work! Thank you Junior League of Madison!
MYArts is sending a very special thank you to the Junior League of Madison (JLM) for a generous gift that supports MYArts’ work as a community resource. JLM awarded MYArts a total of $75,000! This gift will enable the creation of a new, community-involved indoor mural project, as well as $50,000 for our Access Fund, which […]
MYArts Insider: Seein’ Is Believin’
In September MYArts held space for Prenicia Clifton’s organization Seein’ is Believin’, which aims to address youth mental health and young adult preparation. The event, Feeding Our Bellies, Feeding Our Souls: The Mother’s Mental Health Moment, was held in response to recent community tragedies, including a devastating mother-daughter murder-suicide and the loss of a Seein’ is Believin’ teen. The event aimed to address and destigmatize the mental health needs of mothers.
The night began with catered soul food because, as Prenicia stated, “You have to feed the belly before you can feed the mind.” Seein’ is Believin’ also provided childcare so that adults who brought younger children could fully engage with the experience. For so many parents, childcare is a barrier for their own wellness, whether that be attending an event or going to work.
The event consisted of two panels in which mothers and youth got to be seen and heard, and learn from each other. Panelists told stories and answered questions about self-care, resilience, forgiveness, learning to listen, finding their voice, and seeking mental health help. One of the standout words and messages was around communication, because silence equals death. The adults panelists gave eloquent and tear-jerking stories with examples of how silence had amounted to death or destruction in their life, but more importantly how they overcame it and are now thriving.
The heart of the night came from the youth panelists, who spoke passionately about their experiences in school and how it impacts their mental health. They spoke of wanting to be heard, protected, and free. The night ended on a platform of hope and accessing life tool kits to better manage the environment in which they live.
At its core MYArts strives to be a safe space for youth to be themselves, to feel seen, and to be heard. That message echoed throughout the evening with young attendees expressing appreciation for the event and having an opportunity to be heard which is seldom experienced in their day-to-day lives. One of the parents of a young attendee sent Prenicia a message after the event. They stated:
MYArts is committed to providing a space for youth visibility and resiliency. For more information about Seein’ is Believin’ please email info@seein-is-believin.com or visit their site at https://seein-is-believin.com/.
In September MYArts held space for Prenicia Clifton’s organization Seein’ is Believin’, which aims to address youth mental health and young adult preparation. The event, Feeding Our Bellies, Feeding Our Souls: The Mother’s Mental Health Moment, was held in response to recent community tragedies, including a devastating mother-daughter murder-suicide and the loss of a Seein’ […]
Community Partner Spotlight: Omulu Capoeira
Welcoming Omulu Capoeira
Classes for kids and adults
August 2023
We caught up with Faith Hoenecke, Kelly Schumann, and Eric Wallin of Omulu Capoiera to tell us about the newest group rehearsing regularly at MYArts, Omulu Capoiera. Check out our interview below!
Tell us about the origins of Omulu Capoeira, what is Capoeira in general?
Capoeira is a 500-year Afro-Brazilian Martial Art that combines elements of self-defense, dance, and acrobatic movements with the pulsating rhythm of traditional live music. It has its roots in the slavery days of Brazil, when millions of Africans were brought from their homeland to Brazil to work by force, kept in slave camps called “Senzalas.” It was here that Capoeira was born and became an important tool in the enslaved people’s fight for survival and ultimately, their freedom.
After slavery was abolished these capoeiristas, mostly of African and indigenous Brazilian descent, were persecuted as outlaws, and the practice of Capoeira remained a punishable crime until 1940 when it finally ceased to be an illegal practice. At this time, it began to lift itself from the depths of social bias and racial prejudice that it had suffered from its inception.
Capoeira throughout history has endured, evolved, and prevailed, quickly being discovered and embraced as a unique art form and important cultural legacy of Brazil and its people. On July 17th, 2014, Capoeira was recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Brazil. It continues to spread around the world and is enjoyed by millions of practitioners of diverse cultural and social backgrounds that see it either as a hobby or as a way of life that continues to liberate today.
The international Omulu Capoeira organization and its network of groups is overseen by Mestre Preguiça, a student of Mestre Bimba, the founder of modern day capoeira regional in Salvador de Bahía, Brasil. The Madison chapter of Omulu Capoeira began in 1986 and is led by Monitora Guerreira (Kelly Schumann) with the help of the Board of Directors. Classes are taught by Monitora Guerreira, Monitora Bruxa (Faith Hoenecke), and Graduado Tall Dude with Glasses (Eric Wallin).
The mission of Omulu Capoeira Group is to promote the art of Capoeira in Madison, Wisconsin through development of high-quality training opportunities, professional performance groups, and community culture and education programs. As a registered non-profit organization, Omulu Capoeira Group is specifically dedicated to promoting capoeira education as a tool to empower adults, children, and adolescents.
Who can participate in your classes?
There’s something for everyone within Capoeira: music, dance, culture, acrobatics, flexibility, strength, mobility, coordination, fluidity of movement, creativity, collaboration, and the list goes on.
Our youth classes are open to kids 8-12. Depending on individual students’ interest and abilities, they may also participate in our teen/adult classes to further their training. We also offer beginner youth classes through MSCR for ages 5-11. Our teen/adult classes are open to anyone age 13 and above; we currently have students ages 14-47 training together. Registration for all classes offered at MYArts can be found on our website (www.madisoncapoeira.org) and social media. The first Wednesday of every month we offer a free foundations of capoeira class for teens and adults.
Do your classes ever perform publicly?
YES – We love doing workshops and/or performances for large or small groups. Our biggest performance each year happens in February when the Madison Brazilian community comes together to celebrate Brazilian Carnaval at the Majestic Theater. Our next performance is at the Monroe Street Festival on Saturday, September 9th.
Learn more about Omulu Capoeira Madison by visiting their website!
Welcoming Omulu Capoeira Classes for kids and adults August 2023 We caught up with Faith Hoenecke, Kelly Schumann, and Eric Wallin of Omulu Capoiera to tell us about the newest group rehearsing regularly at MYArts, Omulu Capoiera. Check out our interview below! Tell us about the origins of Omulu Capoeira, what is Capoeira in general? […]
From the Newsletter
Community Spotlight on Little Picassos
Joy-filled art classes for kids
May 2023
Little Picassos is a nonprofit organization that provides free visual arts programs for kids from low-income families. Catering to children aged four to sixteen, Little Picassos teaches a variety of visual art forms, drawing inspiration from artists of color, and uses high-quality art materials. With the support of MYArts, Little Picassos has expanded its programming, enabling the organization to offer transformative art experiences to a greater number of children. Vincent Ogoti, MYArts Public Humanities Fellow, talked with Leora Saposnik, Little Picassos founder, to learn more.
Why did you choose “Little Picassos” for a name?
First, Picasso is an easily recognizable name. Second, we wanted to go beyond Picasso’s belief that “every child is an artist” to provide access to art education.
What inspired you to start Little Picassos?
What inspired me to start the organization was a combination of my two passions in life–children and art–and my family’s history. My father, a child of a single mother (and a professor), had his life transformed by dedicated teachers who believed in him and enabled him to pursue scholarship. Following his passing, I sought to honor him by volunteering at The Road Home in Madison, an organization that helps homeless families get back on their feet. As an artist, I would bring art supplies to the shelter and engage with the children there. One week, I met a family that touched my heart, a mother with four children. Her daughter’s encouragement to expand my efforts pushed me to write grants and develop a program that took three years to come to fruition. Not only did I want to ensure that black and brown children were recognized for their talents, but I also wanted the teachers in our program to be representative of the population we were working with. This approach allowed us to create an organization that honors my father’s legacy while making a meaningful impact on the lives of underserved children.
What kind of art does Little Picassos teach, and do you follow a particular training model?
We teach the children a variety of art forms, drawing inspiration from artists of color, both well-known and lesser-known. Each week, we develop a lesson based on a specific art style, ranging from acrylics to dot painting to spray painting reliefs. We have also explored mosaics, fiber arts, and other creative techniques. One of the key aspects of our program is ensuring that the children have access to high-quality art materials, as we believe this contributes significantly to their artistic growth and development.
Our approach to art training does not adhere to a specific model; we draw inspiration from educational philosophies that emphasize experiential learning. Our primary focus is fostering self-love in the children, ensuring they recognize their talents and gifts. By creating an environment where they feel supported and believed in, we aim to instill confidence in their abilities and help them grow as individuals through the medium of art.
Do you exhibit the art children produce?
Yes! Incorporated into our program is an annual art exhibition showcasing children’s creations. Throughout the year, we save all their art projects and organize a gallery opening at the end of the year, which we held at MYArts and will do so again this year. We invite families, community members, and donors to come and admire the children’s art, which is framed, mounted, and displayed. The event is complete with cake, celebrations, and graduation presents for the young artists. Additionally, we encourage the children to write their artist statements, preparing them for potential careers in the arts. Our program’s primary goal is not necessarily to create the best artists in the world but rather to instill self-belief and confidence in children who may have felt less than or have faced criticism at such a young age.
Do you offer programs in languages other than English?
Yes! We provide our programming in Spanish, with around 40 recorded lessons available in that language. Catering to our majority Latino and African American student population, we strive to make our programs inclusive and accessible to children from various cultural backgrounds.
How do you address diversity and inclusivity in your programming?
In order to promote diversity and inclusivity in our programming, we actively seek partnerships with organizations that serve children from diverse populations. The Road Home is one such organization, and we also collaborate with community centers like the Lussier Community Education Center and Meadowood Neighborhood Center. We also reach out to schools in close proximity to share our program information each year. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children, regardless of their background, to participate in our arts-based programs.
Little Picassos’ programming intentionally focuses on underserved children and relies on various funding sources and collaborations to ensure its success. The organization has established partnerships with organizations such as the American Girl Fund for Children, Epic Systems, Dane Arts, Capital Kids Fund, and MYArts. We encourage friends and well-wishers to donate to Little Picassos’ efforts in supporting underserved children in Madison.
Support Little Picassos!
Community Spotlight on Little Picassos Joy-filled art classes for kids May 2023 Little Picassos is a nonprofit organization that provides free visual arts programs for kids from low-income families. Catering to children aged four to sixteen, Little Picassos teaches a variety of visual art forms, drawing inspiration from artists of color, and uses high-quality art […]