Nikki Giraffo

Thank you for making last Saturday’s art show such a success! Your presence, support, and outreach to family and friends uplifted our artists and team, making us feel valued, seen, and celebrated within our community. We are very grateful for our Western Avenue Community for making this exhibit possible, our team, and student volunteers for stepping up and helping us pull it together! This event was more than just an art show—it was a gathering of creativity, connection, and shared joy. Your...

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 financial aid and...

We’re so excited to introduce you to our new blog! This is where we’ll share everything happening at Refuge—from the latest public art projects to highlights from our classes, events, and more. At Refuge, creativity and community are at the heart of everything we do, and this blog is just one more way to keep you connected. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at a mural in progress, stories from our students, or updates on upcoming events, this is your spot to stay in the loop. THANK YOU...