Youth Arts Collective - Monterey Bay Parent

Executive Director Jesse Juarez began his journey with the Youth Arts Collective (commonly known as YAC) over 20 years ago when he was a college student at MPC. In a 2001 edition of Coast Weekly, Jesse learned about a hip new nonprofit art studio opening in Monterey and he decided to inquire. Jesse recalled feeling so nervous that he sat outside and drew in his sketchbook for an hour before gaining the confidence to go inside. Once he did, the trajectory of his life changed. “I credit YAC so much for giving me the opportunity to find myself and my community of other like-minded young artists,” Jesse shared. “When you are young, you do not realize how vulnerable you are. If I had not found my sense of community at YAC, I don’t know which direction my life would have gone.”

THE HISTORY OF YAC

On that day, Jesse was welcomed by the two founders of YAC, Marcia Perry and Meg Biddle. In addition to being well-connected in the art and business communities, they volunteered their time teaching art classes at Monterey High. Marcia and Meg saw a need and opportunity for a place for visual artists to create and congregate after school. They envisioned a space where young people could work on their own projects and at their own pace, a place with mentors and collaborators, but it would not be a structured classroom with specific projects. Plenty of options existed for young adults interested in performing arts and sports but not for those interested in visual arts. Meg partnered, created a business plan, and raised seed capital with Alan Shugart, local businessman and philanthropist, and the Youth Arts Collective opened on Martin Luther King Day in January 2000.

YAC’S VISION

“Collective” in YAC’s name is intentional and directive, as Meg and Marcia’s vision was to create a space that was not focused on competition and critique but fostered a community space that welcomed and encouraged artists to create their own paths and pieces. This community spirit is reflected in the term “YACster” as the students are affectionately called. “The name harkens back to placing the responsibility of the space onto the young person,” Jesse explains. “It is collective, that is their space, they are responsible for helping to put on the shows, stewarding and caring for their materials, bringing folks into their exhibits, and embracing the empowerment that comes along with a young adult art collective.”

While YACsters are not pressured to become professional artists, the organization has fostered visual and creative artists who have gone on to impressive careers, including being a storyboard artist at the Cartoon Network, a graphic designer for Disney, and a curator and art restorer for Hearst Castle. YAC also provides networking opportunities, workshops, and connections for their current students with their alumni. “We advocate that no matter what they do, whether it is a profession in the arts field or not, our students continue making art even for themselves,” Jesse shares. “I guarantee you will be a much happier person if you do.”

“It is incredibly valuable when someone can recognize and foster your creative potential and we see our students’ confidence grow throughout their time at YAC,” Jesse shares. “We hope you join us by learning more and supporting us at the Youth Arts Collective.”

ARTATHON

The weekend of June 22, YACsters will have an opportunity to participate in a 24-hour art-making marathon where everyone contributes food and drinks and participants make art for hours on end. This 20+ year tradition is an annual opportunity for YACsters to directly fundraise by asking friends and family for sponsorships. Jesse reminisces about ARTathon when he was a YACster. “Some of my best memories were part of my 24-hour art marathon. We woke up at 5:00 a.m. and went to the Old Fisherman’s Wharf to watch the sunrise together.”

ARTathon is the perfect opportunity for students to start a project or experiment with a new medium with the help and collaboration of fellow artists and mentors.