Art is the Key & AAVAA

The African American Visual Arts Association (AAVAA) provides public awareness, education, youth enrichment, and enhanced representation of African American Art and Artist of all nationalities whose focus is to preserve African American history and the Diaspora using visual Arts.

Its “Art is the Key” youth development initiative, the organization’s primary focus,has become widely recognized for its innovative approach to the development of resources that empower young people to excel in the visual arts.This program enables youth to work with professional artists and marketers nationwide.

AAVAA’s birth came about in 1998 when Glenda’s dear friend and caregiver to her children, Edoria Lee,after reading an article about America’s Promise and its push for Americans to be accountable to our youth by volunteering, persuaded Glenda to use her company’s resources to assist her in establishing a community-based youth mentoring initiative. Edoria ’s biggest desire was to find an outlet for her then teenage son,Jason,who had a passion for painting.She felt that allowing him to be mentored by professional artists who may have experienced some of the same struggles by which he was experiencing,would interest Jason enough to divert him from destructive behaviors. Glenda agreed and began to focus on the recruitment of artists, marketing and promotion of AAVAA and fundraising while Edoria agreed to focus on its programming activities for the Kids serving as its Executive Director.

AAVAA was birthed at a kitchen table by two friends more than 6 years ago and since its birth more than 7500 youth have received hands on mentoring and or training from more than 70 artists nationwide. In addition, more than 50 scholarships have been awarded of which 10 were collegiate.

Moreover,AAVAA is proud to acknowledge that their first AAVAA Kid, Jason Lee, is now a uniformed police officer for Baltimore City Police Department. AAVAA is also sad to acknowledge that on December 3, 2002 Edoria Lee passed away after a long battle with Lupus and Breast Cancer.

Since Edoria Lee ’s passing, Glenda diligently and faithfully served in an Acting Executive Director’s roll in addition maintaining her responsibilities as a board member, as she was determined not to let Edoria’s legacy die.

She will do whatever she has to do to keep her friend’s dream alive and continue to volunteer her resources,time and services to help divert youth from living destructive lives, says Glenda. After two years of search, Charlene Scourborough was named AAVAA ’s Executive Director. Since her tenure 75 Maryland youths have been allotted full grants to attend AAVAA ’s annual Art is the Key summer camp.

All board, staff and mentors of AAVAA serve in a volunteer capacity. Artist from all over the country support this effort because they believe in the cause and it helps them to continue to reach out to the youth of their communities. AAVAA is supported by corporate and individual giving. Family memberships are made available and entitle an individual or family access to AAVAA Nationwide Referral Registry as well as discounts on special events. For more information on AAVAA, please visit booth #423 located in the Exhibition Hall G or in Edoria A.Lee Town square, also located in Exhibition Hall G. Brochures detailing the services provided will be made available in both locations.You will also notice donation boxes stationed throughout the show,please DO NOT PASS BY THE DONATION BOXES! As your financial support allows us to offer the show free of charge to the public.

Without your support many individuals would not be able to enjoy the weekend ’s festivities and many children who are gifted in the visual arts would be left by the wayside.Your $1, $10 or $100 donation can make a huge difference in someone’s life!