Pros Arts Studio (PAS) has linked local artists and residents since 1978,when it began collaborations with community centers for a mural project. In 1979, PAS initiated its first annual cultural program for Dia de los Muertos, today it is the longest running celebration of its kind in the Midwest. In the 80s PAS developed a wide-range of bilingual performance programming. In 1993, known for its arts-in-education activities, PAS became an early participant in the Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE). In 2002 PAS became an Arts Partner at Dvorak Park and created a Free Drop-in Studio. Now led by Executive Director Giselle Mercier, PAS is committed to mentoring the next generation of community leaders, including the many young and emerging artists we employ. Our dream is to transition into a new home in Pilsen by 2016. In FY 06-08 our budget grew 53% and in FY 08-10 we also saw a 50% increase in individual and corporate gifts; growth that aided infrastructure improvements and increased programming. To manage this change, PAS created a three-year Strategic Plan (FY 07-10), working with development consultant Alice George (supported in part by Arts Work Fund), ultimately introducing the following three goals: Enhance arts programs and methodology with a sharpened focus on youth development; Create organizational structure and system of resources that supports sustainability; Increase individual giving and events revenue to 20% of total budget in five years.

Pros Arts Studio (PAS) is a community-based organization which uses the arts as a catalyst for youth development. A dedicated cadre of teaching artists and youth inspire and support each other as art makers and active citizens. Our three core programs are In-School Residencies, Out-of-School-Time Workshops, and Community Celebrations.

Pros Arts Studio responds to community needs and collaborative opportunities through programs in three categories. OUT-OF-SCHOOL-TIME WORKSHOPS: Provided from Dvorak Park and other community locations, PAS offers free performing, visual, and media arts programs. In a typical week we work with over 200 students, exposing them to a wide variety of experiences. A few of the most popular programs include the Clay Studio, Media Workshops, Kidz Circus, and Hip Hop Open Studio. CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS: PAS continues its cultural program series that complements the community's Mexican heritage and youth culture by celebrating the traditions for Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead (Oct/Nov), Carnaval (Feb), and the We R Hip Hop Festival (Aug). IN-SCHOOL ARTS RESIDENCIES: PAS is working in 8 Chicago Public Schools during 2010-2011. These residencies, for grades preK-9, teach key arts skills while also reinforcing and integrating with core curriculum such as science and literacy. We also offer Parent Arts Workshops that engage parents in their child's learning and Professional Development Workshops for educators that present strategies for integrating and assessing arts in the classroom. Distinguishing features of PAS school residencies include: Student engagement through a multi-arts approach that includes performing arts(theatre, circus), literary arts (journaling, creative writing), and visual arts (ceramics, drawing and painting); Link artists and classroom teachers to design and apply comprehensive program assessment plans used within Chicago's arts education world; Reinforce and integrate directly with core curricula and state standards using a scope and sequence curriculum design for our inquiry based instruction. During 2009-2010 we taught Arts/Science and Arts/Literacy Programs in Grades K to 9th grade; using a scaffold model of instruction that supports learners while they apply new knowledge and skills gradually transitioning students to becoming more responsible for their learning; fostering a love of the arts and learning through hands-on kinesthetic activities, which accommodate multiple intelligences. Student develop self-reflection through their arts learning and the ability to contextualize ideas and come to understand themselves and the world around them in new ways; Incorporate literacy components in each project, through creative writing projects, journaling, research papers, etc. Out of School Time Art Labs incorporated to our regular menu of educational offerings provide seamless quality arts instruction for youth who are interested in extended artistic experiences.