Arts for All began with a dream — the dream of Nona Schwab, Music and Worship Director at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church. Her vision was simple and profound: a place where students could come to experience, dream, and create through the arts in a safe and open space — and where families who needed a little extra support could also find nourishment for their bodies alongside their spirits.
In 2022, with the blessing of church leadership, a group from AHUMC began turning that dream into something real. A steering committee came together to explore, investigate, and imagine what this program could look like.
| Expanding Access | Fostering Community | Nurturing Creative Voices
OUR MISSION
To cultivate a love of the arts while developing young people into confident and contributing citizens.
THE DREAM — 2022
A seed planted in faith and creativity.
Vanessa Woodworth
Nona Schwab
Angela Leonhardt
Carr Hornbuckle
Dianne Dorsett
Dan St. Romain
Judy Ratlieff
Andy Ahrens
For a year, they dreamed together. And in the fall of 2023, Arts for All was officially launched by the Music Ministry at AHUMC.
YEAR ONE — FALL 2023
23 students, one big launch
Arts for All opened its doors, offering four artistic disciplines to students in grades 3-5, one afternoon a week after school. The program was open to all students across San Antonio. Thanks to our proximity to Alamo Heights ISD, students in the district could be bused directly to AHUMC, removing a barrier and making access truly possible.
VISUAL ARTS
HANDBELLS
UKULELE
DRAMA
HANDBELLS
VISUAL ARTS
DRAMA
Each week, students also received a snack, and food bags were made available for families who could use that extra support, honoring the original vision that Arts for All would nourish the whole child and the whole family.
With 23 students, the inaugural year was a success and proof that the dream was worth building
GROWING — YEAR TWO & THREE
From a seed to something flourishing
Encouraged by the response, Arts for All returned for a second year, and then a third. The program expanded its offerings and welcomed more students, growing from 23 to 50 young artists in grades 3-7.
50
Students served in three years .
3-7
grades welcomed into the program .
5
artistic disciplines offered
VISUAL ARTS
HANDBELLS
UKULELE
DRAMA
STORYTELLING
Each week, students also received a snack, and food bags were made available for families who could use that extra support, honoring the original vision that Arts for All would nourish the whole child and the whole family.
With 23 students, the inaugural year was a success and proof that the dream was worth building
LOOKING AHEAD — YEAR FOUR & BEYOND
Taking root and reaching further
As we move into our fourth year, Arts for All continues to grow. We are expanding to include 2nd grade students, adding a second day of programming each week, and introducing an exciting new offering:
STORYTELLING
ORFF INSTRUMENTS & DRUMMING
We are also working toward becoming our own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and establishing a dedicated board of directors, a significant milestone that will allow Arts for All to grow and serve even more students across San Antonio.
“AHUMC has helped us plant a seed, and together we are watching that seed take root, grow, and flourish.”
Alamo Heights United Methodist Church has been, and continues to be, an essential partner in this journey. They generously provide spaces, instruments, resources, and offer invaluable guidance as we step into our future. Their partnership is not just practical; it is the spirit in which Arts for All was born.