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CAP Welcomes New Program Team Members

CAP announced the appointment of Ashlee Collins as the Petway Teaching Artist Fellow in Visual Arts, a full-time position providing arts education programs for school-aged children. She began her new role with the organization on August 15, 2023.

“With a rich background in arts education, Ashlee has honed her skills across a spectrum of school environments, embracing different learning styles and approaches to teaching. Ashlee’s appointment marks an exciting addition to our corps of teaching artist fellows,” said CAP President and CEO Rev. Kimberly Hyatt.

Ashlee Collins

Collins previously served as an arts educator at Riverside Presbyterian Day School, Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) and Duval County Public Schools. In her new role as a teaching artist fellow, she will provide visual arts-based education and arts integration instruction in multiple schools and community sites throughout Duval County. In addition to curriculum development and implementation, Collins will also develop experiential learning opportunities for students such as guest artist workshops and field trips.

In 2022, CAP launched the Petway Teaching Artist Fellow in Visual Arts as a part of its expansion in providing full-time art instruction during school hours, in addition to its current after-school program model. This new model is making it possible for the organization to more than triple its reach as it works to empower every child’s creative spirit. The named fellowship was created through a generous gift of $250,000 from Betty and Tom Petway who have supported CAP for nearly 30 years.

Peyton Bryant

In addition, CAP also recently welcomed Peyton Bryant as Program Coordinator. Bryant started her new position on August 7, 2023. As Program Coordinator, she provides administrative support for all CAP direct-service programs and staff, assists with the planning and execution of CAP’s annual and Visual and Performing Arts Showcase and maintains reporting for CAP programs.

Learn more about Ashlee and Peyton via their bios at capkids.org/about.

For media inquiries, please contact media@capkids.org.

It's teacher appreciation week and we are all excited to celebrate our amazing CAP Teaching Artist Fellows, Teaching Artists, teaching assistants and classroom partners! 

Through CAP programs, children and young adults in NE Florida, across various educational settings receive quality, standards-based instruction in dance, music, theatre and visual arts. CAP also provides specialized programs designed for students with disabilities, including art counseling, music therapy and sensory arts. 

None of this would occur without the passion and dedication of our exemplary CAP teaching artists. We'd like to send them all a deep and resounding thank you, for the important work they do every day to empower each and every child’s creative spirit! #ThankATeacher #TheArtsAddUp
The first show of the Performing Arts Showcase 2025 is a wrap! Thank you to everyone who has supported our incredible performers this year -- no matter how you choose to show that support. None of this would be possible without you! #capkidsjax #artsed #theartsaddup
Performing Arts Showcase rehearsals are in progress here at the @jaxperformingartscenter! We're amazed at the dedication and talent on display this morning. Which performance are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments! #theartsaddup #artsed #showtime
CAP is grateful to announce that we have been awarded a Find Your Light Foundation 2025 grant! Their support allows us to continue to empower every child’s creative spirit, ensuring that students in Northeast Florida have access to quality arts education.

Find Your Light is dedicated to supporting exceptional arts programs where the need is greatest, recognizing arts education as an essential part of a young person’s development. Thank you, Find Your Light, for uplifting the power of the arts and helping us make a lasting impact! #capkidsjax
Spring for the Arts celebrates the impact you, our donors, have had on local students, and raises funds for CAP's REIMAGINE Campaign, with the ultimate goal of putting instruments, paintbrushes, scripts and dance shoes in the hands of more children in Northeast Florida than ever before. Get your tickets today at our link in bio! 🎉
Our mission is to inspire every child's creative spirit! #CAPkidsjax #TheArtsAddUp #artsed #strings
Every heart needs art! Happy Valentines Day❤️
#TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax #artsed
It was an unforgettable day at the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Hundreds of guests enjoyed the fun and engaging activities during the CAP Family Day at the Cummer! 

Students and their families participated in Intro to Improv, Nature Printmaking, Needle Felting, World Drums, Positive Words Graffiti, Jazz-Tastic Dance, Boom Whackers, a Museum Scavenger Hunt and an Instrument Petting Zoo! Thanks to CAP Teaching Artist Fellows, staff and volunteers for your efforts today. Special thanks to the Cummer Museum for graciously hosting our amazing families! #CAPkidsjax #TheArtsAddUp
Research indicates that theatre training for children significantly improves their public speaking skills by building confidence, enhancing vocal projection, developing effective body language and fostering emotional intelligence through character exploration. The practice of performing on stage in a supportive environment helps kids feel comfortable expressing themselves publicly and it's fun! Learn more about our theatre programs at capkids.org #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax
Research from organizations like the Arts Education Partnership, show clear links between arts involvement and positive outcomes in academics, creative and critical thinking, personal behavior and social and civic participation. These benefits reinforce the essential value of the arts to enrich not only individual children and young adults, but also their communities. 

Through CAP programs, children and young adults receive quality, standards-based instruction in dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts. Learn more at capkids.org. #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax
Did you know that the arts support students’ social and emotional development, increase empathy, reduce intolerance and generate acceptance of others?

School partnerships with arts organizations can mitigate disparities in students’ arts learning opportunities and resources. Studies consistently demonstrate that the arts are intrinsically beneficial and an essential component of a well-rounded education. Learn more about #artsed by visiting capkids.org. #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax
Congratulations to the CAP String Orchestra for their festive live performance on First Coast News this morning. Happy Holidays! #capkidsjax #theartsaddup

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