Yo Art Program

Inspiring Young Artists as Art Instruction Disappears from our Schools

Yo’ Art is a unique volunteer mentoring project that utilizes the creative arts, technology, music, and performance to build self-esteem and enhance academic performance among inner-city children. Initially, a partnership between the Palmetto Project, the City of Charleston Recreation Department, and The Housing Authority of the City of Charleston, Yo’ Art is now an independent non-profit organization.

Founded in 2006 by Charleston photographer Gene Furchgott, Yo Art got its start in the public housing neighborhood in downtown Charleston.  Today it serves as the only arts program in a number of Lowcountry public schools.

Yo Art won a 2009 Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) 2009 for innovative after-school programming in public housing neighborhoods in the Lowcountry.

Website:  www.yoartproject.org