Annual Report 2025-26

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  • Dear Friends and Supporters,

    As we reflect on the 2025–26 school year, we are proud of how Art in Action continues to grow while staying grounded in a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves the opportunity to experience the arts.

    This year, Art in Action brought visual arts education to over 91,000 students in 2,727 classrooms, reaching children through schools and community-based programs across the country. We also provided arts education to more than 3,000 scholarship students, helping ensure that financial circumstances do not determine whether a child has access to meaningful creative experiences. These numbers represent more than growth—they represent thousands of opportunities for children to create, imagine, communicate, and see the world in new ways.

    For more than 40 years, the vision of our founder, Judy Sleeth, has been at the heart of this work. Judy’s belief that “art is from the heart and is what ties a child to their education in general” continues to shape how we think about the role of art in a child’s education. Her recognition with the Jefferson Award Silver Medal is a fitting tribute to the impact of that vision and to the many lives touched by Art in Action.

    Throughout the year, we saw teachers use art as a catalyst for learning, connection, and discovery. Our curriculum gives educators practical tools to bring creativity into the classroom while helping students build skills that extend far beyond the art room—from observation and problem-solving to confidence, collaboration, and self-expression.

    We are grateful to our Executive Director, Mary Carbullido, and to our staff, teaching artists, volunteers, and partners who make this work possible every day. Their commitment allows Art in Action to respond to the changing needs of schools and educators while continuing to deliver high-quality arts experiences to students who need them most.

    We are equally thankful to our donors and supporters. Your generosity directly expands access to art education and helps us reach students in communities where opportunities for the arts may be limited. Every contribution helps put meaningful curriculum and materials into a classroom and gives a child the chance to discover their own creative voice.

    As Co-Chairs of the Board, we are grateful to serve alongside a dedicated Board of Directors whose leadership, expertise, and commitment continue to move Art in Action forward. Together, we are focused on building a strong and sustainable organization that can reach even more students in the years ahead.

    The opportunity before us is significant. With continued investment in arts education, including California’s Proposition 28, schools have added resources to expand access to the arts. Art in Action is committed to helping educators make the most of those resources and ensuring that visual arts remain an essential part of a well-rounded education.

    As we look toward the future, our vision is as strong as ever: to make high-quality visual arts education accessible to every child, regardless of circumstance.

    Thank you for being part of the Art in Action community. Your support helps us turn that vision into reality—one classroom, one teacher, and one student at a time.

    With gratitude,

    Corinne Cho-Beaulieu & Susan Ball

  • “The longer I teach, the more I see art instruction’s value for mental health. There is something about art class that is reflective, and almost healing. It’s a break from screens and other academic pressures, and a chance to create with our hands and be absorbed in a happy process.”
    -Laura Duncan
    Teacher

    “The unique offering of AiA - the blend of artistic techniques, historical context, and accessible activities - make it an ideal curriculum for clients, as some connect to the materials, some to the global historical context, and others to the physicality of making art.”
    -Liz Zirbes
    Program Director

    “Art in Action helps students develop skills like perseverance, problem-solving, and collaboration. Having access to an art program helps us provide a well-rounded education and gives every student an opportunity to discover and celebrate their own creativity.”
    -Lisa Montes
    Principal

    “As a school serving students with disabilities, the Art in Action program has made creating meaningful connections so wonderful and seamless for us. It’s easily one of our students' absolute favorite activities. I’m so grateful for how easy it is to adapt and break down the lessons for all of my students. It’s been such a joy watching our students express themselves so freely through their art.”
    -Kayla Garza
    Teacher

  • This year, Art in Action awarded scholarships to 8 Title I and under-resourced schools and organizations across the United States. The Scholarship Fund provided 666 students with access to the Judy Sleeth Legacy Program—complete with curriculum, art supplies, and teacher guidance—for the 2026-27 school year. In addition, The Fund provided our brand new lesson line, Beyond The Canvas, to 1,664 students.

    The Scholarship Fund ensures that more students will experience meaningful art opportunities that spark creativity, fuel imagination, and build confidence. We are profoundly thankful to all who contributed to the Scholarship Fund and helped make this year’s impact possible. A remarkable $32,000 was donated to help us increase our reach. It is through the collective generosity of our donors that Art in Action can continue opening doors to visual arts education for every child, regardless of financial barriers.

  • For many years, Denise and Woody Shackleton have been far more than generous supporters of Art in Action. As trusted advisors, engaged board members, and steadfast partners, they have offered thoughtful counsel and strategic perspective through leadership transitions and pivotal moments in our history. Their generosity has opened doors for children and schools, including scholarships that have brought Art in Action programs to local students who might otherwise have gone without. They have also rolled up their sleeves in countless ways, testing new lessons, sharing ideas, supporting fundraising efforts, and connecting us to people and opportunities that have strengthened our work.

    Denise's commitment to arts education is especially personal. She continues to teach Art in Action lessons at her grandchildren's schools, experiencing firsthand the joy, curiosity, and creativity our program brings into the classroom. Their legacy with Art in Action is measured not only in the resources they have provided, but in the wisdom they have shared, the people they have brought to our community, and the countless children whose lives have been touched by the arts.

    Denise and Woody were honored with the 2026 Art Visionary Award at OBJECT:ART, recognizing their lasting contributions to our mission and unwavering commitment to making high-quality arts education a priority in schools and accessible to children everywhere.

    Thank you Shackletons!

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Our Community
of Supporters

Art in Action is grateful for your generous support for the year of 2025-26.

  • $75,000 - $100,000

    • Chan Zuckerberg Initiative ~

    • Private Family Foundation ~

    $20,000 - $74,999

    • Applied Materials Foundation ~

    • Denise and Woody Shackleton *

    • Judy and Wally Sleeth *

  • $10,000 - $19,999

    • Adobe Inc. ~

    • Ed Canty, Jr. *

    • Stephanie Breitbard Fine Arts

    • The Edward F. Limato Foundation ~

    $5,000 - $9,999

    • Ali Irturk, Ph.D. and Jennifer Irturk  *

    • Atkinson Foundation ~

    • Caroline, Richard and Avery Yang *

    • Eliane and Armand Neukermans *

    • Hasso Plattner and Louise de Putron *

    • Intuit

    • Julia Rieger *

    • Julie and David Fellers *

    • Kelli Montgomery and Joe Cusick *

    • Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund ~

    • Sandra Fairon *

    • Steiners Jewelry 

    • The San Mateo Daily Journal

    $2,000 - $4,999

    • Alejandra and Tom Elam 

    • Alice Ruhl 

    • Amy Koch and Aaron Kahn 

    • Andrea Coen 

    • Anne Abreu 

    • Bramasol

    • Celia Walker *

    • Charles Hosmer Morse Foundation, Inc.

    • Chris Carroll 

    • Clark Lawson 

    • Corinne Cho-Beaulieu and Bob Beaulieu *

    • Debbie Evers Allen 

    • Diane Crittenden and Howard Crittenden III 

    • Glenn and Emily Auyoung 

    • Ingrid and Chris Freire 

    • Joanne and Roger Sherrard 

    • Judy and Gerron Vartan 

    • Julia Capeloto 

    • Juliette and Jonathan Leong *

    • Lari Yamaguchi 

    • Lauren Zachry and Annie Pepper *

    • Lisa and William Zachry 

    • Marc Serughetti and Kaleo Serughetti-Waxman

    • Mary and Gary Ellison 

    • Melissa Mahoney 

    • Mike Neidert 

    • Rotary Club of Menlo Park ~

    • Rotary Club of Saratoga ~

    • San Mateo Community College District

    • Sereno Real Estate ~

    • Shani Podell and Leo Szilardy 

    • Tamara Shatara 

    • Terri Bullock 

    • The Mervyn L. Brenner Foundation, Inc.

    • Willow and Jay Bechtel

    $1,000 - $1,999

    • Abbey Kerins 

    • Adrien Beaulieu 

    • Anna Zara and Robert Engllish 

    • Barbara and Chuck Preuss 

    • Becki Leahy 

    • Belmont Wine Exchange

    • Breanne Buehl 

    • Brianna MacDonald 

    • Cathy and David Tokic 

    • Char Tassinari 

    • Cherise Thompson 

    • Cisco Foundation ~

    • Claire Khouri 

    • Daniel and Brenda Fridman 

    • Donna and Garrett Wada 

    • Dr. Brett Trusko and Mrs. Kirsten Trusko

    • Elsa Schafer Raval and Asha Raval 

    • Isabel O'Meara and Daniel Price 

    • Jacqueline Kurzer 

    • John Cook 

    • Joyce and Jay Friedrichs 

    • Katherine Sleeth 

    • Katy Milton Design

    • Lily Hurlimann and James Bassett 

    • Lisa and Danforth Miller 

    • Marty and David Arscott 

    • Mary and Greg Carbullido 

    • Nancy and Max Gisko 

    • Oliver Stahlmann 

    • Olya and Dragomir Anguelov 

    • Pam McGraw 

    • Peg and Frank Austin *

    • Ruth and Jeffrey Housenbold 

    • San Francisco 49ers

    • Shawna Droese *

    • Sheila Higgins Druskin 

    • SiriusXM

    • Stephanie Chu and Melind John 

    • Susan Ball 

    • Teresa Halton Photography

    • Tom Cooper 

    • Wendy Bergh 

    • Yenvy and Brian Papay

    $500 - $999

    • Anonymous

    • Amy and Jeff Crowe 

    • Betsy Halaby 

    • Bobcat Printing

    • Brian Endres 

    • Carlo Stimamiglio 

    • Carolyn Brennan 

    • Doug and Kristen Edwards 

    • Electronic Arts

    • Fernando Escartiz 

    • Ingrid Palu 

    • JAX Vineyards

    • Jim and Vicky Merchant 

    • Jo Sauer Mitchell and Steve Mitchell 

    • John Gambs 

    • Just Us For All Foundation

    • Karen Askey 

    • Kyle Shackleton and Yoon Jeong Choi 

    • Lara Hittig 

    • Leah and Tom McMurtry 

    • Lori Rhodes 

    • Mary Beth Hambly 

    • Monica and Roger Ross 

    • Nikon Precision Inc.

    • Noemi Manero 

    • Nvidia

    • Pamela Weiss 

    • Richard and Susan Seiler 

    • Rita and David Helseth 

    • Sonya Kleshik 

    • Synopsys, Inc.

    • The Donum Estate

    • Total Wine & More

    • Uma and Vasu Ayyer 

    • Victoria Rayman

  • $200 - $499

    • Alexandra and Craig Franklin 

    • Andrew Huang and Elaine Tseng 

    • Anne and Gerald Down 

    • Anne Campbell and Michelle Green 

    • Anne Dauer *

    • April Vanderbilt 

    • AUTOVINO

    • Bob Boyle 

    • Brenda Balducci 

    • Broadway San Jose

    • Carolyn Avery 

    • Cathie Nelson 

    • Charles Schmuck 

    • Christine Holt 

    • City Cruises

    • Clif Family Winery

    • Colleen Devlin and Rick Rosenthal 

    • Cori Carpenter 

    • D A Davidson & Co.

    • David and Keli Amann 

    • Divino Restaurant

    • Felix and Kat Carbullido 

    • Filoli Historic House & Garden

    • Fran Eastman and Edward Goodstein 

    • Frank Poss 

    • Geri Crane and Kenneth Wach 

    • Gerry and Stephanie Somers 

    • Google.com

    • In-N-Out Burger Restaurant

    • J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

    • Jackie Walker and Ernest Chilberg 

    • Jacque and John Jarve 

    • Jacqui and John DeMartini 

    • Jacuzzi Family Vineyards

    • Jana Paquette 

    • Jeanne and Frank Fischer 

    • John Cassidy and Megan Anhalt 

    • Judy Raffit-Gutgsell 

    • Kari Rust 

    • Kelly Bugos 

    • Leslie Chen 

    • Linda Kuhli 

    • Lisa and Mark Rosenthal 

    • Maggie and Tom Rancatore 

    • Margaret Carney 

    • Martina Punnonen 

    • McKahn Wines

    • Megan Billinger 

    • Missy and Rick Bechtel 

    • Nargues M. Eder 

    • Neely Family Vineyards

    • Olivia Jeffris 

    • Paul and Heather Mattlin 

    • Penn and Nancy Butler 

    • Heather and Peter Macdonald 

    • Philipa and Jim Caldwell 

    • Roberto Figus 

    • Roderick and Linda Hsiao 

    • Rodney Terra 

    • Rodney Toy 

    • Rose and David O'Sullivan 

    • Sally and Russell Porter 

    • San Francisco Opera

    • San Francisco Playhouse

    • San Francisco Symphony

    • San Jose Earthquakes

    • San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles

    • San Jose Sharks

    • Sandbox VR San Mateo

    • Shannon and Jim Thompson 

    • Simonetta Mocci 

    • Steven Cracknell and Lauren White 

    • Stu Lerner 

    • Tanya Wilkins 

    • The Guild Theatre

    • The Mountain Winery

    • The Wente Family Foundation for Arts Education

    • Tim Leary 

    • Tracy and Phillip Asaro 

    • Unica Party Rentals

    • Visa

    • Wendy and Craig Nishizaki 

    • West Wind Drive-In

    $100 - $199

    • Alex and Penelope Huang 

    • Alicia Silverman 

    • Allison Masser 

    • American Conservatory Theater

    • Ashley McLain 

    • Barbara Glynn 

    • Bay Area Discovery Museum

    • Blick Art Materials

    • Bronwyn and Barry Lewis 

    • Burma Love

    • Carol and Donald Teodoro 

    • Carolyn and John Shea 

    • Carrie Hoover 

    • Catha Hall 

    • Cathy Baird and Stanley Karp III 

    • Ceevah and Irwin Sobel 

    • City Lights Theater Company

    • Constance and Robert Loarie 

    • Daniel Brown

    • Elizabeth and Enrique Silva 

    • Elizabeth Noerdlinger and Marc Goldburg 

    • Elizabeth Zachry 

    • Google Matching Gifts Program

    • Gorjana

    • Hillbarn Theatre

    • Holly Parkess 

    • Jeff and Jill Mannie 

    • Jen Liao 

    • Jerry Lee & Kerry McArdle 

    • John Canepa 

    • Julie Bishop 

    • Kathleen Christman and Christian Skieller 

    • Keith Whitman and Kelly Leo 

    • Kenneth Arai 

    • Kenneth Fox 

    • Kim Cooper 

    • Kim Overton and Carl Johnson 

    • Linda Goldman 

    • Marcella Ballard 

    • Marian and Thomas Hill 

    • Marion Pippard 

    • Marsha Campbell 

    • Megan Shackleton and George Weiner 

    • Michele and Chris Nadan 

    • Mirta Degastaldi-Ortiz 

    • Monique Soto and Thomas Int-Hout 

    • Nancy Krop 

    • Palo Alto Players

    • Patricia and John Giosso 

    • Paula Hantman 

    • PayPal Giving Fund

    • Pierce and Steven Foster 

    • PlayStation Cares

    • Red Door Escape Room San Mateo

    • Richard and Molly Bahr 

    • Rocket Vodka

    • Ruby Hill Winery

    • San Jose Giants

    • Susan and Pat Coan 

    • Susan Stevens 

    • Tahoe Woodward

    • Target Redwood City

    • The Walt Disney Family Museum

    • TheatreWorks

    • Thomas Fogarty Winery

    • Venetia Young 

    • Vivace Restaurant

    • Wendy Wei

    $1 - $99

    • Allen Capeloto 

    • Amanda Terry 

    • Angela Murphy 

    • Anna Green 

    • Bella Nails San Mateo

    • Brooke Barrett 

    • Cara Cohan 

    • Carol Edmiston and Paul Sakai 

    • Carole Mayers 

    • Catherine Rhoads 

    • Christine and Bryan Raassi 

    • Cindy Ta 

    • Computer History Museum

    • Costco Redwood City

    • Courtney and Andrew Maury 

    • Cris Adair 

    • Daniela Relaford 

    • Elena Anton Martinez 

    • Ellen McGraw 

    • Epicurean Group

    • Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

    • Flying Suitcase Wines

    • Ford Lawson 

    • Hal Eisen 

    • Hiller Aviation Museum

    • Janet and Victor Schachter 

    • John Donald and Elaine Hammond 

    • Karen and John Rashleger 

    • Kendra Scott LLC

    • Krishna Sharma 

    • Leslie Bandy 

    • Lunardi's Markets Belmont

    • Lynn Ruiz 

    • Mama Coco Cocina Mexicana

    • Margaret Mathes 

    • McEvoy Ranch

    • Michelle Silva 

    • Microsoft Corporation

    • Museum of Craft and Design

    • Nancy and Henry Greenberg 

    • Patricia and Kevin O'Connor 

    • Philip Adair 

    • Piazza's Fine Foods San Mateo

    • Prateek Malik 

    • Robin Weiss 

    • Roma Restaurant

    • Rosalie Emanuel 

    • Russian Ridge Winery

    • Safeway Crystal Springs

    • Sam Huynh and Gabrielle Korte 

    • San Francisco Giants

    • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

    • Shake Shack

    • Sheilah Cox 

    • Sherry Saccamango 

    • Steven and Lisa Tsuruoka 

    • Sylvia and Robert Dickinson 

    • Whole Foods San Mateo

    • Zdenka Bleile

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* Designates Founders Circle Members

~ Designates Foundations and Corporate Grants secured for Title 1 schools and Program Development.

Art in Action has taken great care to ensure the proper recognition of our donors. If you notice an error or omission, we apologize and hope you will bring it to our attention at kaleo@artinaction.org

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Impact By Numbers

Students who participate in arts education from kindergarten through middle school learn skills crucial for coping and thriving.

Expenses

Revenue

IRS 990 Form