RAVES

"Arts & Dreams was very therapeutic and fun. We can always use a boost and reminder that we are unique, beautiful and worth it." Danielle R., Student, Brooklyn College, NY

"Wow! I think the Arts & Dreams experience was worthwhile for both me and my students. I want to thank you for a wonderful break from the usual school routine, and for the opportunity for the students to learn strategies (slow purposeful breathing, speaking affirmations, and painting) to relieve stress and to aid them in becoming their own best friends. I think you both are awesome, and I applaud you for the work you are doing! With Gratitude,"
Sandra DeMarco, Grade 5 Teacher

Divine Mercy Catholic Academy, Queens, NY

"Arts & Dreams is a wonderful program and I love seeing the students express themselves in such positive ways.Thank you Laura, Patricia, and Zyambo for coming in and working with our kids. We should do more of these."
Stephen Wilder

Principal, Passages Academy, Bronx, NY

"Arts & Dreams rocked!! Please bring them back!"

"I would love to see Arts & Dreams for the teachers as well."

"I truly think Arts & Dreams is great for the kids."
Bronx Hope Social Workers and Reading Specialist

Passages Academy, Bronx, NY

"I loved Arts & Dreams because I had fun painting and using my imagination."

Student, Passages Academy, Bronx, NY

"Things like this are needed more often! 
I would have Arts & Dreams again because it helps relieve all the stress on paper."

Student, Passages Academy, Bronx, NY

"Love Arts & Dreams and need to do it again, a lot of fun! :)"

Student, Passages Academy, Bronx, NY

 "Arts & Dreams was a great program. I would like to do this again sometime.

I learned a lot about myself that I did not know about myself."

Student, Passages Academy, Bronx, NY

"A huge thanks to Arts & Dreams -- they taught us all how to think positive in small steps and to create beautiful, meaningful art. 

This program addressed the following American Association of School Librarians (AASL) standards: 1.1.2 Use prior and background knowledge as context for new learning.

1.3.4 Contribute to the exchange of ideas within the learning community. 2.1.6 Use the writing process, media and visual literacy, and technology skills to create products that express new understandings. 2.2.4 Demonstrate personal productivity by completing products to express learning. 4.1.8 Use creative and artistic formats to express personal learning. 

Nine students and one staff filled out evaluations following the program. 100% of respondents said they were motivated or inspired by the presenters and would use this information in the future."

Anja Kennedy, School Librarian, Passages Academy, Bronx, NY

"Really enjoyed Arts & Dreams. It was very relaxing and stress free. First time painting, I was nervous at the beginning, but the group of workers made me feel comfortable and confident with myself. 
Great work!"

Student, Passages Academy, Bronx, NY

"I had the best time ever at Arts & Dreams. The affirmations were fun to learn about. Hopefully I can get my cousin to do this also. Her birthday is coming up and she loves painting. She also wants to be an artist. I showed her the picture of mine and she wanted to do at least 3 on her walls. 

Thank you so much for everything."

Brandon, Grade 8

Divine Mercy Catholic Academy, Queens, NY

"My favorite part of Arts & Dreams was that I was painting. I felt happy and proud of what I did."

Amanda, Grade 6

Divine Mercy Catholic Academy, Queens, NY

"Arts & Dreams was so healing and filled with joy. And to paint with joy and ease made me feel like a kid again. Tonight's event was a great reminder on why we shouldn't give up on the world."
Nikki Walker, Actor
New York, NY

"Our students truly love your workshops."

Ma Lis Wendt, Treasurer, Literacy for Incarcerated Teens, NY

"I had a really wonderful time at Arts & Dreams and I'm so glad I came :) I loved the positive energy and mood that was created in the room. I left the workshop feeling awesome! I took so much more with me than a painting. I hope to see you again at an upcoming event! Thanks so much for your loving spirit and all that you give :)"

Christina, New York, NY

"On behalf of NYP Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, thank you so much for bringing your wonderful Arts & Dreams program to not only our patients and families but our local school kids as well! I heard nothing but wonderful feedback and would love to schedule your group to come back in the future!
We are so grateful."

Ana Furnari, Special Events Manager
Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, NY

"I thought Arts & Dreams was great! I was a bit apprehensive that it was even applicable for me. I am NOT an artist :-) But when we started talking about making our affirmation paintings, I realized that I had been having doubts about the new career move which I have recently made. When I drew the words "I am creating a wonderful new career for myself" on my canvas, I realized that I had been trying too hard....that my new career is exactly what I should be doing, and I need to just relax and let it flow. I left the room feeling more confident in my decision, and less impatient about expecting immediate outcomes!" 
Dotti Cunningham, Chief Exploration Officer, globeDOTTIngTravel

"I met Patricia when I won an art contest in the 6th grade to have my mural painted on my school. Patricia was one of the volunteers. We hit it off right away. If I could sum up Arts & Dreams in one word: “amazing”. I knew I wanted to be a part of it every chance I got. When I had the honor of helping with Arts & Dreams, I never saw anyone leave without a smile. I’m so happy to be a part of something so wonderful."
Zyambo Phillips, Arts & Dreams Facilitator, Bronx, NY

"One of the things I love about Arts & Dreams is that it doesn't matter how old you are or how talented you are with a paintbrush; anyone can benefit from painting an affirmation that makes you feel good about yourself. It's an amazing experience sharing your affirmation with friends, family or even strangers. Such a simple act of sharing your dreams with others not only brings you closer to your authentic self, but brings you closer to the people around you."
Matt Green, Arts & Dreams Facilitator, New York, NY

"I am in love with your workshops!"

Jessica Clunn, Teacher

The Scandinavian School of Jersey City, NJ

“Thank you both. So much love was created.”

Jade Elias, Director of Programs, Red Hook Initiative
Brooklyn, NY

"Arts & Dreams made me feel alive, uplifted my spirit." 

Allen P., Student, Brooklyn College, NY

"The Arts & Dreams workshop was amazing. It's great to see two women so powerful, beautiful & smart helping others understand and realize their worth."

Amanda V., Student, Brooklyn Collge, NY

"I love this workshop. I expect everyone to come out to at least one of these Arts & Dreams events. It will make a difference in your life." 

Michelle R., Student, Brooklyn College, NY