YASS INDEED! Connecting Future Educators with Young Artists Across our Community

The Youth Art Saturday School (YASS) program, a partnership between the Melinda M. Vooss Artfully Yours Memorial Fund and Old Dominion University, exemplifies our mission of fostering creativity and supporting future art educators. Through YASS, ODU’s aspiring art education teachers lead hands-on workshops for young artists, providing an enriching space where artistic expression flourishes. This initiative not only brings high-quality art experiences to the community but also offers invaluable real-world teaching experience to students preparing for careers in art education.

At its core, the YASS program embodies two key pillars of the Artfully Yours mission: expanding access to the arts and empowering the next generation of art educators. By bridging the gap between university art education programs and local youth, YASS fosters meaningful mentorship and learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. This collaboration highlights the power of art to build connections—between students and teachers, institutions and communities, and creativity and education. As we celebrate another successful year, we remain committed to strengthening these ties and inspiring a future where art remains an accessible and transformative force for all.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported the YASS program—our dedicated ODU partners, passionate student educators, talented young artists, and generous donors. Your commitment to the arts and education makes this program possible, and we are grateful for your role in shaping the next generation of artists and educators.