Kaylen James and Jeffrey Donovan

Arts for Learning celebrated its 10 year anniversary with a swanky soiree at the Sagamore Hotel last Sunday afternoon.  Guests gathered poolside sipping cocktails sponsored by Grey Goose Vodka, as our favorite Burn Notice spy on TV, Jeffery Donovan and model/socialite Malinka Max, played hosts to the artsy crowd.  Attendees included: Merle and Danny Weiss, Gary Farmer, Vicky Di Santo, Miss Orlando 2010, Michael Valdes, James Cubbison of Miami Artzine and Harvey Burstein of Miami Arts Trust.

Donovan addressed the intimate crowd, emphasizing the importance of the arts in children’s   lives, and then went on to explain the effects the arts have had in his own career.   Executive Director for Arts for Learning, Sheila Womble, went on moved the crowd with a short story about acclaimed actor Robert Redford.  She recounted that when Redford was a boy he found it difficult to pay attention and instead, would draw pictures in class. Throughout the third grade, he would illustrate different ideas that came to him.  One day the teacher approached him and asked him to tell the story behind the picture.  The teacher was completely astounded by his creativity and gave Redford the opportunity to draw a picture each week and tell the story behind it.

 Womble went on to explain how important it is for each child to have this same opportunity, and how Arts for Learning grants these life changing moments for students every day.     For more information on the Arts for learning program visit www.Arts4Lmiami.org.