Testimonials
"Art has the power to transform lives. The Leroy Neiman Art Center run by the Good Tidings Foundation has done just that for the children that I serve at Panorama School. One child, in particular, has had his life radically altered because of the art program at the Leroy Neiman Art Center. This child, Steven, came to my school aggressive, rebellious and defiant. Of all the children at my school, this was the child I worried the most about. Despite numerous intervention supports provided to this child, we were never truly able to reach him. And, then came the day when the Good Tidings Foundation stepped into his life. On that first day, Steven walked into the Leroy Neiman Art Center with his hostile, rebellious attitude firmly present. But, as the art lesson progressed, I saw him change. I saw him become softer. I saw him engage. I saw him take the art brush in his hand, tentatively at first, then confidently, and I watched him create. Previously, the only child I knew in Steven was the unruly, difficult child that he presented himself to be. However, by the end of the art lesson at the center, I came to know a new child – an artist, a creator, a cooperative, sensitive child. Because of the program, I was able to see Steven in a whole new way that my traditional school setting could not and had not allowed him to become. On our way home, I asked Steven about his experience. He said to me, "Now I know what I want to do with my life. I want to be an artist." He has found his calling because of the Leroy Neiman Art Center. I had been given the privilege of seeing Steven from a totally new perspective. My ability to reach him, as a result, was radically changed from that day forward because I finally had a way "in" to Steven. I am incredibly grateful to the Good Tidings Foundation and the Leroy Neiman Art Center because of this experience and for continuing to transform the lives of the children at my school."
- Robin Pang-Maganaris, Panorama Elementary School Principal
"Deja W. is a freshman at Mercy HS, and was recently accepted to a summer internship at the Academy of the Arts. She received a full scholarship for this program, and will receive academic credit at Mercy HS next year for her work this summer. She was awarded this internship following the Academy of the Art's visit to Mercy HS, where they reviewed Deja's art projects that she has completed as a member of the Women in the Arts program. Deja was also a featured student artist during her eighth grade year at De Marillac's Annual Scholarship Benefit. One of her contributions was purchased for the highest amount spent that evening on student art ($300). Deja honed her art skills throughout her eighth grade year at the Leroy Neiman Art Center program sponsored by the Good Tidings Foundation. Deja visited the art center monthly as part of the center's unique partnership with De Marillac Academy."
- Mike Daniels, DeMarillac Academy Executive Director
"We at Eastside are so thankful for the gift of art the Good Tidings Foundation provides through the LeRoy Neiman Art Center. We are so appreciative, and we know that our students' education is more valuable and rich because of this opportunity."
- Suney Park, Eastside College Preparatory 6th Grade Teacher
"Good Tidings is remarkably incredible and such a wonderful gift to children! We are just thrilled that you have included the children of St. Peter's! The art work the kids have brought back have been on display and besides the experience, they have also grown in self esteem! Bravo and Gracias!"
- Vicki Butler, St. Peter's School
