Starts with Art is a tribute to Kathi Parisi, who unfortunately passed away on June 4, 2020. Its a continuation of the program that she started in 2017, to encourage children and teens to develop their creativity and self-expression through art. We aim to achieve this by providing financial assistance to tax-exempt organizations that share our mission and uphold the legacy of the program established by Kathi. Funding decisions are made quarterly in January, March, June, and October, with a maximum request limit of $1000.

Donate to Kathi Parisi Starts with Art Scholarships and Programs

Application for Art Program Funding

Latest KPSWA Newsletter

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Year Three - Still Going Strong!

$1000 Art Donation for By The Hand at Moving Everest in Austin 

Orr Academy

November FUNdraiser

In January, KPSWA donated 75 coloring books created by Chicago Artist, Hyero, to Orr Academy High School.  Along with the books titled, Girl Hyeros, colored pencils, and sharpeners were also donated.  The coloring books contain spreads with uplifting quotes from female black role models alongside a beautiful coloring page.  Orr Academy is located in Chicago's west side between East Garfield Park and Humbolt Park.  The coloring books were distributed by Orr's social worker and counselors including to the schools student group WOW (Working on Womanhood).  A special shout out to artist Hyero who ordered and supplied the books at cost, making our donations go farther.  You can find and follow Hyero on instagram @IAmHyero

Scholarships to La Grange Art League Classes

Thank you to all that attended and donated at our November Fundraiser celebrating Veterans Day and kicking off the Holiday Season.  Over $5000 was raised to support the Kathi Parisi Starts With Art Scholarship Fund at Riverside/Brookfield High School to be awarded in a ceremony on May 17, 2023 along with other Starts with Art Projects!

A special thanks to La Grange Art League where the event was held and donated 10% of their Holiday Boutique sales to our funds.


This Event was so much fun that the board (pictured above) decided to make this an annual event.  SAVE THE DATE: 11/11/23

Maywood Fine Art Center Youth Programs

Summer/Fall 2022 - 8 lucky youth recipients received scholarships to attend classes at La Grange Art League with free tuition and supplies.  This is a continuing KPSWA program that in Kathi's words - Finds the kids who love art and need a little love!  If you have a kiddo that fits this description, please apply for a scholarship by filling out the application above.

March 2023, KPSWA donated Girl Hyero Coloring books and $1000 to the Maywood Fine Art Center for art supplies.  Maywood Fine Art Center is a non-profit dedicated to providing quality art instruction to the youth of Maywood and surrounding communities.  The art program goes beyond arts and crafts.  It teaches students (ages 4 and up) to see in a new way and offers art skill development in a safe environment. 

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By the Hand - Moving Everest located on the west side of Chicago (Austin Neighborhood)  has been giving students abundant life - mind, body, and soul.  La Grange Art League member Jeannine Stump is an art teacher at this location which had crayons and paper for these kids to do art on.  She put in a request application (see the link above) with a list of supplies that upgraded the art room with markers, paints, art kits, art papers, mosaic tiles, fabric paint and yes, do we dare say it  .... glitter paint!    

We can't wait to share the amazing art work that these kids produce over with these supplies ... Stay Tuned!  

Year Two Recap

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Year One Recap 

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Kathi Parisi Starts With Art -

Our Mission:   KPSWA fosters the love of art in children and teens by empowering them to develop creativity and self-expression. 

Our Vision: Introduce, Educate, and Enhance the love art in children and teens.
 
Our Values:

1. Inspiring
2. Kindness
3. Inclusiveness
4. Acceptance

 
Our Goals:

1. Educate – provide art education to children and teens.
2. Support – provide art materials aligning with our mission.
3. Exposure – increase impact within Chicagoland especially in areas with socio-economic disadvantages.
4. Partnerships – establish ongoing partnerships with organizations aligning with our mission.
5. Responsive – respond to requests aligning with our mission

 
 
KPSWA is a 501(c)3 extension of The LaGrange Art League.