Art 4orms launches new cohort as it reaches 3000 students served

GREENWOOD DIST. — Art 4orms Foundation, a Tulsa-based non-profit committed to providing arts education to North Tulsa students, announced exciting new milestones Tuesday. After just four years, the group has expanded to serve thousands of TPS students and is preparing to launch a new cohort in the coming weeks.

The organization, led by native Tulsan Ebony Easiley, is the first of its kind in Oklahoma. It offers both virtual and in-person opportunities for students to propel their learning in visual and performing arts.

Each academic year, ten students from North Tulsa public schools are selected to participate in-person. Every TPS student is also able to take part in the virtual sessions.

During their time in the cohort, all students receive access to art supplies, tailored lessons, and the chance to join exciting field trips. Those trips take students out both of the city to experience new art, and into college-level classes at TU.

Students engaging in the in-person learning option with Art 4orms also receive access to healthy meals and licensed art therapists. The focus on art education, combined with personal wellness, is central to the group’s mission.

Art 4orms new Adopt-A-School program is amplifying its impact across North Tulsa

And now, Art 4orms has taken that intentionality a step further, launching its Adopt-A-School program in North Tulsa. According to Easiley, attendance at its partnership schools has increased as a result of the program.

One of Art 4orms partnership schools is Wayman Tisdale Fine Arts Academy, named after the famous NBA player and jazz musician from North Tulsa.

The school’s principal, Ericka Davis, praised the programming for the opportunities and excitement it brought to students.

“We are beyond excited for our partnership with Art 4orms,” Davis said. “All opportunities were a huge success.”

Davis added that the program “provided students with exposure and opportunities” that would have been difficult to give to students otherwise.

Back at its enrichment center at WOMPA, Art 4orms is making even more history. Last year, Easiley partnered with UK-based artist Freyja Sewell to open the first art therapy pod in the world. The unique experience creates a safe space for students to focus on their mental health and wellbeing, a critical component of the organization’s behavioral innovation initiative.

For founder Ebony Easiley, the continued growth and expansion of Art 4orms marks an important shift in the role that the connection between art and mental health plays in our education system.

“For decades, art programming has been viewed as ab elective and pushed aside,” Easiley told The Black Wall Street Times. “But through partnerships with schools like Wayman Tisdale Fine Arts Academy, art will improve the outcomes for every student.”

“Although we have a long way to go,” Easiley continued, “I am excited to continue to strengthen and build new partnerships, while leading the first arts and wellness nonprofit in the state of Oklahoma to create tangible change in our district and beyond.”

Students from Tulsa Public Schools can learn more and sign up to be a part of Art 4orms. The registration form is open on the group’s website through the first week of August.

The group is also hosting its annual benefit concert gala on December 15th, 2024. Tickets for that event are on sale now.