At the Pacific Art League, we believe that access to art is a powerful force for healing and transformation. This summer, we proudly partnered with the Bill Wilson Center to deliver our Expressive Art Summer Camp—a five-week, community-based art education program designed to serve youth experiencing housing instability and other life challenges across Santa Clara County.

Now in its second year, this impactful community engagement initiative reflects our mission to make art accessible, inclusive, and life-affirming for all.

Investing in Youth Through Art

Hosted at Oak Grove High School in San Jose, PAL’s Expressive Art Summer Camp provided free art classes to 42 young people facing barriers to traditional learning environments. These students found not only creative inspiration, but also a safe space to explore identity, build confidence, and feel seen.

Camp demographics:

83.3% low-income
23.8% in foster care
16.7% at risk of gang involvement
4.8% McKinney-Vento eligible
64.3% female, 35.7% male
65.1% Hispanic/Latinx
18.6% African American
9.3% Asian
7% Caucasian

Led by Community-Centered Teaching Artists

Our summer camp was led by two incredible instructors deeply committed to arts education and social impact:

Frances Douglas – A lifelong artist and educator with a degree in Creative Arts, Frances brings more than 20 years of teaching experience and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity.
Lourdes Morante-Mieses – A Peruvian-American visual artist and curator who has exhibited across California and internationally, Lourdes brings a multicultural lens and deep community roots to her teaching.

Their guidance helped students connect art history, self-expression, and cultural identity in meaningful and lasting ways.

A Creative Curriculum Rooted in Art and Community

The curriculum—designed specifically by the Pacific Art League—combined foundational art instruction with emotional growth and social connection. ach week focused on a different theme:

Week 1: Design & Composition – Still life studies, color theory, and masterworks from Picasso to contemporary artists
Week 2: Landscapes – Depth and movement inspired by Vincent van Gogh
Week 3: Portraits – Identity through the lens of artists like Kara Walker, Matisse, and Modigliani
Week 4: Character Design – Original character creation inspired by animation and storytelling
Week 5: Tree of Life – Symbolism, memory, and personal narratives from Klimt to Hockney

Through each themed week, campers explored new media, collaborated with peers, and began to see themselves as artists.

Celebrating Student Voice at the Summer Showcase

The program culminated in a Student Art Showcase, where young artists displayed their work in a vibrant community gallery. Families, staff, and supporters came together to celebrate five weeks of courage, creativity, and growth.

This showcase wasn't just an exhibit—it was a celebration of possibility. It affirmed that youth art programs are more than just enrichment—they are vital pathways to self-expression, connection, and healing.

Why Community Art Engagement Matters

This program is a powerful example of PAL’s broader commitment to community engagement through the arts. By delivering high-quality art education directly to underserved youth, PAL helps bridge opportunity gaps and fosters creative confidence that lasts a lifetime.

Whether it’s through our expressive arts programs, free summer art camps, or nonprofit community partnerships, we are committed to serving as a cultural hub for healing, empowerment, and hope.

Community Partners Make It Possible

We are deeply grateful for the generous support of our community partners:

Santa Clara County Social Services Agency – Daniel Little & Daniel Crick
Bill Wilson Center – Josh Selo, Benaifer Dastoor, Ginger Guerra, Daniela Gonzalez & Michael Mitchell
Pacific Art League – Frances Douglas, Lourdes Morante-Mieses & Aly Gould

Together, we’re building a model for community art engagement that centers equity, access, and impact.

Get Involved: Support Community Art Programs at PAL

Art changes lives—but only if it’s accessible.

Support our work by making a donation, sponsoring a program, or volunteering your time. Your contribution helps PAL expand our reach and continue offering free and low-cost community art programs across the Bay Area.

👉 Donate Now
👉 Learn More About Our Outreach Programs
👉 Volunteer or Partner With Us

Together, we can keep creativity alive—for every young artist, in every neighborhood.