Spring 2026 News
STEM Classes - Student Success
As part of our STEM Classes for Students with Disabilities, we created a new activity called “Rubber Band Pianos,” where students use scientific inquiry to investigate sound vibrations by wrapping rubber bands around take-out containers, exploring both pitch and dynamics. In one recent visit, the teacher began by asking her class to count the sides of the containers, and then was astonished to hear one of the students count out loud. She exclaimed “That’s the first time I’ve ever heard him count in the correct order! Wow!” He then proceeded to count correctly several times, and received an ovation from all the aides and paraprofessionals in the room, who recognized just how big a milestone this was. Moments like this are why we do what we do - using the intrinsic power of the arts to help students develop important life skills. We’re so proud of these kids!
The program is funded by California Arts Council, Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture, and Boston Scientific Foundation, whose mission is to improve health and STEM educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged populations.
We Got an NEA Grant!
Everyday Arts is honored to have received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support the “Everyday Arts Neighborhood School” program, which provides arts integration to special education students in public elementary schools. The project is already underway, highlighting the visual and performing arts contributions of the Harlem Renaissance. Participants at our most recent workshop learned how Duke Ellington’s approach to musical improvisation and Jacob Lawrence’s style of “dynamic cubism” can help increase student engagement in their classrooms!
Our Board Is Growing!
We’re excited to introduce our newest Board Member, a passionate educator and advocate for students with disabilities!
Devany Soldner
A Teach For America alumna, Devany holds a California Clear Teaching Credential in Special Education and has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for students with learning differences. She graduated summa cum laude from Chapman University and obtained her Master's degree in Special Education from Loyola Marymount University, where she received the Outstanding Graduate for Special Education Award. Devany believes in the importance of early intervention and the power of the arts in reaching children.
We’re thankful to have Devany on our team!
Save the Date - Summer Soiree August 8th!
Our Summer Soiree is happening Saturday, August 8th, in Los Angeles, and you don’t want to miss it! Like last time, we’ll have great food, one-of-a-kind auction items, collaborative art-making, specialty cocktails, and make-you-wanna-get-up-out-of-your-chair-and-dance music all night long! Stay tuned for details!
