McRae Art Studios shares a creative home at 1000 Arlington Street with arts organization ArtReach Orlando. ArtReach Orlando provides art programs for youth experiencing difficult economic and social situations who may not have access to the arts. Through the creative process, they explore the link between art, social justice, and the healing process. Many of their students  struggle with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Through art and self-expression, youth can safely explore these issues and create personal solutions that develop their self-worth and emotional resilience. By fostering creativity, they are encouraging and empowering young people to imagine the positive changes they wish to see in their own lives, their communities, and the world. ArtReach also offers camps right here among our 23 working artist studios: Artists in Wondercamp

Arlington Arts Mural Project

ArtReach Orlando hired a team of local artists to collaborate with youth from the surrounding community to create the mural. Young artists from the community answered the question, "What do you love to create?” Their ideas and original artwork served as inspiration to the professional mural artists commissioned to bring the young artists’ vision to life. The youth participated in a series of workshops alongside the artists, who taught them how a mural is created from start to finish. 

Maureen Hudas, a master mural artist, guided an all female team in the month-long endeavor. In order to celebrate the incredible talent from the local community, Maureen teamed up with two emerging Black artists, Delia Miller and Sabrina Dessalines. Along with centering youth's voices and perspectives, the project celebrates the talent of Black artists creating work with and for a historic Black neighborhood. The Arlington Arts Mural Project will culminate with an unveiling of the mural in a free community celebration which will include a fun-filled day of hands-on art activities and community-building for all ages.