Roaring with Creativity: Art in Action Partners with CoolineKids Camp
We are honored to have been part of this special evening with CoolineKids, blending art, storytelling, and community in a way that will continue to inspire long after the paint has dried.
📖 Learn more about CoolineKids and Lioness E.
An Evening of Art & Story
On Thursday evening, Art in Action joined forces with CoolineKids Camp for a night of creativity, community, and inspiration at the Girls’ Club of the Mid-Peninsula in Palo Alto.
Approximately 20 campers, family members, and community members — ranging from ages 6 to adults — gathered together for a special evening of art-making. The night began with a heartwarming storytime led by Evelyne Keomian, the heroine and author of the children’s book Lioness E. Evelyne’s reading brought the story’s courage and creativity to life, setting the perfect tone for what was to come.
Inspired by the book’s themes, Art in Action offered two art activities taken from Program 1 Banda Masks, African Art, and Program 4:
Drawing lions, cats, and tigers — exploring shapes, textures, and expressions.
Creating Banda masks — celebrating cultural artistry and vibrant design.
The energy in the room was joyful and collaborative, with youth, teens, and adults sharing in the creative process.
About Cooline Kids
Since 2013, CoolineKids has championed the idea of youth inspiring youth. High school and college students from diverse backgrounds take the lead in running the summer program, working alongside ProStaff to bring enriching experiences to elementary-aged youth. This leadership model gives young people real responsibility — and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their community.
This year’s camp season carries special meaning as the community honors the legacy of Christian Sbragia, CoolineKids’ beloved director, who passed away at just 19 years old. Christian was a well-respected leader and mentor in East Palo Alto, remembered for his dedication to others and his guiding motto: “Service above all else.”
