Volunteer Spotlight: Cyndi Sanchez, P.S. ARTS
July 29, 2020
P.S. ARTS is one of our many grantees that leverage the skills and experience of older volunteers to help students. Studies have shown that the arts keep students motivated and engaged in their education, and P.S. ARTS makes sure students in underserved schools and communities have access to dance, music, theater and the visual arts.
While the Covid-19 crisis has temporarily suspended in-person activities, P.S. ARTS staff and volunteers are currently planning for online instruction and a virtual version of their signature Family Art Nights, as well as opportunities for teens and older adults to explore identity through artmaking.
We recently chatted with P.S. ARTS volunteer Cyndi Sanchez about why the arts are important for children and families alike, and why she wanted to get involved. The below conversation has been edited for flow and clarity.
The Eisner Foundation: Why did you want to get involved with P.S. ARTS?
Cyndi: I saw an email that was recruiting volunteers for their Family Art Night. I thought, well that’s just perfect! I went and volunteered and loved it. I feel very strongly about how important art is in children’s lives. I grew up surrounded by artists, and when I was in school I did very well in my art classes – some of my paintings were actually sent to Paris as part of an exchange that my school did. But then I grew up, became an accountant, and was working long hours. When I turned 50 I realized I didn’t want to wait until I retired to do something fun, so I started to paint again. And all these childhood memories came flooding back. I used to do that stuff all the time, and for some reason I had let it go.
TEF: Why is access to the arts so important for kids?
Cyndi: It helps you open up your mind. If you’re studying math, history, or language, it’s got rules and certain outcomes that are expected. But if you’re painting, or making a piece of pottery, it comes out your way. Every person is different, and I think kids need to learn that what they create doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. And I think it gives the brain a little exercise, a little freedom.
I used to paint regularly in a park and it was always fun when kids would come up and watch. They get so into it, they want to do it too. Kids should get these opportunities. Not every family, not every school can do it. So if there’s a way I can help, I will.
TEF: What kind of volunteer work have you been doing with P.S. ARTS?
Cyndi: I’ve helped with several Family Art Nights. One teaching artist, Oscar, starts by talking about an artist, showing everyone their work, and talking about how the artist created those things. Then he passes out supplies and says “now we’re going to do it too.” It’s so fun to watch these kids and their parents make their own piece of art. It’s fun to see how they’re all different. I help get things set up, make sure the families have the supplies, and help them along.
At the beginning of the year, I also started helping one of the P.S. ARTS teachers that goes into a nearby elementary school. I helped in her second grade class. Like at Family Art Night, she’ll talk about an artist and the students would do a project inspired by that artist’s work. Before the schools had to close, I was really getting to know the kids. I could see the kids changing – it was having an impact on them. Some who were a little shy or holding back were getting more comfortable with their own skills, experimenting more. I think about them a lot and I hope they’re doing ok. It’s important to give kids these experiences.
TEF: Why do you enjoy volunteering?
Cyndi: I had a good time every time- and that’s worth a lot. It’s a chance to get out of the house and do something fun. And it’s rewarding when you see that you’ve contributed, that you’ve been helpful and made a difference. Especially at family art night, you can tell some of the families don’t have the extra time or money for art materials, and the parents get really into it too. They see it’s something worth doing.