Sharing art and culture with the community.

"These have been a lifesaver when the kids are bored! They are so nicely put together and we really appreciate them"

"We LOVE them" Thank you so much"

"The kit is very well prepared and easy to understand. We think the activities are fun and shows a connection to real life art”

                         -parents of Escuela SMART students

In response to COVID19, SQACC’s Art program adapted its focus to ensure students in the Old South End could continue their creativity. Over 800 art kits were provided to 200 students from Escuela SMART Bilingual School and Queen of Apostles. Each kit included all the tools needed to design and make their art project as well as historical and geographical information about the art form. Through financial support from the community and additional partners we were able to distribute these arts kits at no cost to youth and their families. 

Daujon came to SQACC 2 years ago through the YouthWorks program. Once he ended his participation in the program, he was able to continue his time with us through Workforce Development. “My probation officer at the time was the one who sent me to Sofia Quintero to work with Joe. I learned a lot about planting and stuff, I learned how to rewire a cord that was cool, I didn’t know how to do that before. The lawn mowing and stuff I already knew about that but I liked the work we did. I like working outside. I feel like working here did change me, that is why I came back.” 

Work Force Development is a state funded partnership through Toledo Lucas County Juvenile Court, which provides work opportunities for young adults and prepares them to enter the adult workforce. SQACC’s community gardens are a work safe site, where we teach soft skills such as social skills, scheduling, job commitment, time management and leadership. The program not only gives participants an opportunity to learn specific skills but provides them a consistent paid employment opportunity. SQACC is considered one of the most successful sites in the local area.

Becky Williams has been attending Pottery classes at the Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center since 2018. She first heard about the Sofia Quintero Center through one of our outreach programs at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library for Hispanic Heritage month. “I always wanted to take a pottery class, just never knew where to go for it.” She signed up as soon as she heard we offered them. “It’s so zen-ful, rewarding and fun. I really enjoy making things I find online. Having someone there to help me, when I have questions is amazing!”

In 2018, thanks to grants from the Toledo Community Foundation and The Andersons SQACC was able to add a Pottery Studio to the Jose Martinez Memorial Galeria. We have been able to introduce pottery making to local community members through classes and workshops. This year we were able to host an 8 week session (with some COVID adjustments). We take students with little or no experience and let them get their hands dirty while teaching 

them the ability of how to create a finished 

product for their themselves or a loved one.