On October 9th, we hosted our annual Portfolio Review Night , a special evening dedicated to learning, feedback, and connection that we are bringing back as an annual event. Representatives from MassArt , RISD , UMass Lowell , and Fitchburg State , along with Western Avenue artists Robb and Emily Sandagata , joined us to meet with students and review their portfolios. These sessions give aspiring art students valuable one-on-one time with college representatives and professi

We are thrilled to share that the first round of the Art Star Residency Program has officially come to a close . This pilot program was created to give young artists a supportive environment to grow, experiment, and strengthen their creative practices. As we transition into the next cycle, we’re celebrating the progress of our first group of residents and reflecting on what this opportunity has meant to them. Our 1st Group of Artists in Residence: Cloudy Rosas, Maritza Flores

This year, we created more than art—we built a thriving community where creativity, empowerment, and opportunity flourished. From debuting our first public mural, Urban Healing , to supporting 95 students—90% of whom relied on financial aid—Refuge Art School has been a beacon of hope and expression. Together, we achieved incredible milestones: 17 programs and 3 workshops across 3 semesters. Piloted our first "Storytelling Through Dance" performance program. Over $60K in finan