YAC is . . . testimonials from those in the know.

YACsters
Present and Past

I have gone through a lot in the last three years, and the encouragement and creative boost I get from YAC has saved me time and time again. Without YAC my skills would never have improved the way they have. I owe YAC more than I can ever say.

- Kyle Bourne, YACster

Not only has YAC provided us with every imaginable art material but it has also given us a loving supportive safe haven. YAC encourages us to be freely creative and bloom into courageous young adults.

- Chloe Wilson, YACalum

I’ve made some of my best friends at YAC, and accumulated priceless experience including my first art shows and community service using my artistic skills. I’ve collaborated on murals, sold my own art, and gained the confidence to build a career as an artist. Meg and Marcia are extraordinary mentors, helping me both with artistic and personal problems. I always know I can go to them for support without worrying about being judged. They have been like second mothers, teachers, mentors, and friends. YAC is like a second home. There is no way I can thank them for what they’ve done.

- Khalid Hussein, YACalum

What is YAC to me? YAC is everything that made school bearable, and the glue that held me together through life’s dramas.

- Ryan Olea, YACalum

My art has improved so much under Meg and Marcia’s care and I feel much more confident showing and talking about it. I tackle subject matter I used to shy away from, and find myself seeing the world as one splendid work of art.

- Norah Cook, YACalum

YAC makes me more of a whole person. It gives me leave to pour my whole self into my art.

- Jessica Bender, YACalum

I walk into YAC, hear the jazz, the laughter, smell the intoxicating paint fumes , and someone hands me a cookie and a paintbrush.

- Ripley Hayden, YACalum

If I hadn’t found YAC, I probably would have not continued drawing. I would’ve gone to college, gotten a job that didn’t challenge me, and would forever be stuck in a life that did not interest me.

- Jillian Rose Browy, YACalum

I credit YAC with furthering my artistic talents. More than that, I attribute my sobriety and sanity to its nurturing halls. I can only hope that it will continue to provide a place for young people to develop into sound minded adults, passionate about what they believe in.

- Julia Kodl, YACalum

Inspiring, educational, caring, heartfelt, blessed, painless, stress free, loving, honoring, self motivating, mothering, warm, hip, creative, righteous,..if only I could list all the things YAC has meant and been to me.

- Jack Jemison, YACalum

I am the short little kid who walks around like she owns the place, the one who would sleep over if only YAC had a bed and a shower.

- Ana Gonzales, YACalum

I’m at YAC,looking around right now, and I see my peers making art and being themselves at one of the most vital times in their lives. I’m looking at this place and wondering where exactly I would be if I had not discovered YAC.

- Jesse Juarez, YACalum

Now that I’m involved in YAC, I don’t know how I could get through the week without it. It balances the constructive (albeit, suffocating) rigidity of school life with its wonderful freedom and loving environment.

- Sierra Silverston, YACster

There was never such a room full of paint and inspiration until Meg and Marcia made YAC.

- Jeff Penprase, YACalum

YAC has helped me explore my own creativity in a way I can control. When I do art there, I enjoy it, and do not feel like it’s been forced on me.

- Michael Archer, YACster

In my hectic life, YAC is the little insane part that prevents my mind from breaking. I also eat many cookies.

- Kiara Long, YACster

Community Partners

I work with kids at risk on a daily basis and know the need for quality programs. YAC is outstanding among youth programs and I believe it is not just top of the line locally, but nationally when it comes to success with kids. I have referred several youth from my program to YAC and I believe it has turned their lives around. What more could you offer ayoung person than a creative, educational, safe and loving environment?

I support this program and sincerely hope that it will be here for years to come.

- K.Miller-Balderas,
Youth Diversion Director,
Monterey Police Dept

Parents

Since Jessica started at YAC she has learned not only new skills and techniques, but you have shown her how to focus her talents and commit to a project until it is finished. You have both had such a positive influences on her and her work. She is so much more of a happier person because of you.

- Tom Bender, YACparent

YAC’s a place where my son can receive contructive criticism, honest praise, and guiding suggestion from peers and mentors. YAC’s a place where guest artists inspire and educate, where laughter and music spurs creativity and soothes teenage angst, and a place where an empty belly can be banished.
The best part of YAC, though, is the way you envelope each member with nurturing love and bring out the best not only in their art but in their souls. Thank you.

- Charlene Lowery, YACparent

Clients

We are so proud of the mural that Youth Arts Collective artist Justin DeVine made under your mentorship for our new Emergency Department Family Waiting Area. Once again, the commission experience with all of you at YAC was highly professional and enjoyable.

Justin received a valuable “real life” experience working with a client on a commissioned painting for public usage.

Thank you again Marcia and Meg. We are proud of the four commissioned painting experiences with Youth Arts Collective to date and look forward to more in the future.

- Amy Essick, Art Curator,

Community Hospital Foundation

Major Donors

I believe that youth activity groups are important and help the future of our society, if they are supported and managed well; that’s the key. My support of YAC has been, and is mainly dependent upon, the dedication and personal involvement of Meg Biddle and Marcia Perry. They have done a great organizational job, and manage the activity with passion. I can’t think of a better place for my support of youth activity.

- Alan Shugart, Founding Donor