DrawBridge, San Rafael
Since 1989, San Rafael-based DrawBridge has brought joy and creativity to Bay Area families through its free expressive arts programs.
These programs, available in shelters, affordable housing facilities and community centers across the Bay Area, cater to children ages five and up, fostering community connections and playful creativity essential for healthy development. Expressive arts, a process of healing through artistic expression, lies at the heart of the DrawBridge mission.
DrawBridge’s impact is remarkable. It hosts more than 1,000 art groups annually in Marin, San Francisco, Alameda, Sonoma, Santa Clara, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties. Its approach lies in its mission statement: “DrawBridge provides children with the opportunity to tap into their creativity and build self-confidence through expressive art.” The organization dedicates itself to making the benefits of expressive arts accessible to all children.
“For over 35 years, DrawBridge has provided free expressive arts programs for more than 40,000 Bay Area children and their families,” says executive director Tracy Bays-Boothe, who is currently transitioning out of her leadership role.
Sarah Yazdani, the program manager since 2019, has been named interim executive director while the board of directors conducts an executive search. Bays-Boothe adds, “I am honored to have contributed to this legacy and look forward to celebrating the continued success of DrawBridge programs.”
Under Bays-Boothe’s guidance, DrawBridge flourished, launching initiatives such as the DrawBridge Community Artist Program in collaboration with the California Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts. This year, for example, poet, artist and commercial letterpress printer Katie Nealon is working with DrawBridge youth artists at Marin County Free Library branches in Marin County.
DrawBridge programs create a safe and supportive environment for children’s self-expression and exploration of the creative process. By offering child-focused art experiences, DrawBridge allows participants to set their own direction, pace and depth of self-exploration. Programs are always free and provided directly within the communities served, eliminating financial and transportation barriers for families.
Through its dedicated efforts, DrawBridge continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and their families, nurturing creativity and confidence that lasts a lifetime.
DrawBridge, P.O. Box 2698, San Rafael. 415.444.0930. email [email protected] or visit drawbridge.org.
