Art Reach and Business of Art Scholarship at Mission Fed ArtWalk

 by Patricia Frischer

Robert Friedman  at the Mission Fed ArtWalk celebration for
featured artists at ArtReach new headquarters in Hillcrest. 

Robert Friedman is the recipient of this year’s Business of Art Scholarship and will have booth #344 on Cedar Street at the Mission Fed ArtWalk on Sat/Sun April 26/27. San Diego Visual Arts Network is the sponsor of this scholarship and is proud to see how the artist’s subjects fits into the Healing, Health and Hope theme of the April Arts, Culture and Creativity Month celebrations. 

Robert Friedman 

Robert Friedman 

Robert Friedman 

Robert Friedman 

Robert Friedman 

Robert Friedman 

Robert Friedman 

​Robert Friedman has experienced the highs and lows of life during his travels and work as a humanitarian. He has connected with refugees and victims of disaster and war. He views the world with awe at times, but also with heartbreak and concern. He studied visual arts as an undergraduate, but even as a teenager, he found his medium in photography. “Do I capture an image or does the image capture me?” is his explanation of his storytelling quest on view in his Lifescapes.

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Sandi Cottrell and her sister Judy Berman Silbert 

Judy Berman Silbert and her sister Sandi Cottrell  were lucky to have art in their lives from an early stage. But we all know 2007 brought  massive cuts in the arts in public schools. Sandi was Managing Director of ArtWalk San Diego when I met her and Judy, who was already working with elementary school art programs brought the new experience of ArtReach to ArtWalk. In fact, it was an ArtWalk artist, Patti Fox who helped design the pilot project. Right away  this new programs was launched into a free program starting at Garfield Elementary.

At that time, San Diego Visual Arts Network was supplying a hands on live art experience at ArtWalk as well as the Business of Art Scholarship. The two came together at the celebration of this year’s featured artists including Robert Friedman, the Business of art Scholarship recipient for 2025. This lovely event was held at the new offices of Art Reach in Hillcrest. 

 The party celebration at ArtReach Headquarters

                                           

Two Videos of the ArtReach event and workshop spaces 

ArtReach believes that young students can create original art. They should be encouraged to express themselves and be as creative as possible.  Of course, they need guidance, but that is supplied by professional working artist.

They now have many programs that are funded in all the regular ways: grants, donations, galas like Party ARTy for ArtReach on June 8 from 3 – 6 pm. Besides the in-school Sparks art programs, these include their Artist Residency, ArtReach Murals,  Virtual Lesson Plans and teacher resources, and Community Program for workshops outside of school hours at the Hillcrest location. They even have team building workshops for staff and volunteer and professional development programs.

From summer camps to birthday parties,  in-school and after school, since 2007, ArtReach has provided over 86,000 young people with life-changing opportunities to create original art.

 

Robert Friedman
Business of Art Scholarship recipient 2025
Booth #344 on Cedar Street 
Mission Fed ArtWalk
Sat/Sun April 26/27.

Party ARTy for ArtReach on June 8 from 3 – 6 pm
Anna Laroque  619-940-7278
An inspiring afternoon of creativity, community, and connection to support free visual arts education for San Diego County youth. Set in a stunning Del Mar home, this party will feature: Hands on art-making with ArtReach artists,  A student art showcase celebrating young creatives, Toss a Ring for a chance to take home a bottle of fine wine A thoughtful menu featuring appetizers, salad and a choice of three paellas Live and silent auctions with exclusive experiences and unique items Your attendance on June 8th helps ensure that all children, regardless of economic circumstance, have access to art making. For tickets  starting from $175.