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11 Inspiring Things Our Arts Students Told Us in 2025

December is often one of the busiest, most stressful times of year—a time when we could all use a little inspiration to keep us going. Thankfully, our students inspire us every day and remind us of the magic and joy of this time of year, too.

To add a little joy to your day, we’ve gathered 11 things we heard from CAP students this year that really stood out to us. Some are funny, some are genuinely heartwarming, but all of them showcase the unique perspective our students bring to the world. They’re a testament to the infinite positive ways arts education affects young people.

Here are our 11 favorite quotes from CAP students this year, in no particular order:

"At first, I wanted to stay home and just play Fortnite or something. But the days passed by, and I really started to like it here. And now that I'm on my last day, I'm sad and stuff." - Larry, visual arts student

"CAP helped my voice be louder!" -Anonymous student

My CAP class helped me grow by helping me trust myself more and helping me become a better actor! –Performing arts student

I don’t really get to paint at home so instead of asking for a toy or something else, I asked my mom if I could do this art class instead." –Virginia, visual arts student

“Ms. Taylor says I have to take responsibility for myself as an artist. I have to take responsibility for myself as a leader.” –World drums student, Hyde Park Elementary

“I saw [violinist] Lindsey Stirling in concert, and I want to learn to play like her." –CAP beginner string student, Global Leadership Academy

“The best thing about my class is that it teaches a lot of things in a lot of ways, like if you messed up, then keep on going, no matter what. And if anything happens, you gotta continue.” –Performing arts student

“CAP class helped me understand there are a whole bunch of people with anxiety, and I learned that I don't have to have anxiety—I just have to chuck it out the window.” –Art counseling student

"Ms. Lindsay, will you please tell my mom all the things I'm good at?" –Leo, visual arts student, Radiant Collective

CAP helps me grow socially, and helps me learn a lot of songs, sight reading and a lot of other stuff! –Anonymous student

CAP helped me pay attention better to learning. –Arts integration student

Which quote was your favorite? We invite you to share it on social media to brighten your friends’ days as well—and don’t forget to tag @CathedralArts on Facebook or @CathedralArtsProject on Instagram!

December 15, 2025

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

CAP is hiring a Full Time Clinical Creative Art Counselor! The Clinical Creative Art Counselor is responsible for sensory art based programming and art counseling programming for select Exceptional Student Education (ESE) centers and elementary, middle and/or high schools in the region. 
If you are passionate about making a significant difference through art counseling and sensory art and thrive in a role where clinical excellence meets creativity, we invite you to apply at our link in bio. 💜🎨🖌️
Cathedral Arts Project is excited to participate in THE PLAYERS Championship 2026 Chip-in for Charity Fundraising Program. When you purchase tickets to THE PLAYERS, enter code 649CME and CAP will receive a portion of the proceeds! 

The tickets available are Stadium Passes, which provide general grounds access for Thursday, March 12, 2026 through Sunday, March 15, 2026 only. Purchasers must select the day(s) they would like to attend THE PLAYERS at the time of purchase. Individuals can purchase tickets through Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, while supplies last. Click our link in bio and don't forget to enter code 649CME for CAP!💜
"The Cathedral Arts Project Program has made a powerful impact on our 6th-grade students this year. By integrating theatre with writing instruction, the CAP teacher seamlessly blended performance and academics, boosting student confidence, collaboration, and creativity.
Students learned essential writing skills while building scripts, developing characters, and performing live. This approach not only fostered teamwork and social growth but also contributed to the highest ELA scores we’ve seen to date. We’re eager to see the writing scores this summer, as we expect continued growth. The final performances were a proud showcase of their hard work and a testament to how the arts can elevate student success in every way." - Site Administrator, River City Science Academy Intracoastal.

CAP’s arts integration programs offer schools and partner sites a unique approach to increasing students’ understanding of academic standards. In an arts-integrated curriculum, an art form – whether dance, music, theatre or the visual arts – is used as a tool for learning one or more academic subjects. Learn more at our link in bio. #FLCelebratesLiteracy #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax  #ArtsIntegration #StudentSuccess
Save the date! Join us on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club for the Cathedral Arts Project’s most anticipated evening of the year, the 21st Annual Spring for the Arts – CAP’s signature fundraiser. Savor delectable drinks and gourmet cuisine, bid on extraordinary live and silent auction items, and dance the night away with the Bold City Classics!💃

CAP is honored to announce it will celebrate Kristine Cherek & Kirk Larsen as the 2026 Guardians of the Arts for their efforts to safeguard and advance the arts. Spring for the Arts also celebrates community engagement in support of funding arts education initiatives throughout the region. Sponsorships available via email jessie@capkids.org. Learn more at capkids.org/sfta.🎉
Since December was a blur, we wanted to spotlight some wonderful CAP performances during the holiday season!  If you had a chance to see our incredible CAP students at opening night of Deck the Chairs, Downtown Art Walk, the First Coast Design Show or at one of the many school-based winter performances around town, make sure to tag CAP in your social media pics!💜

Thank you to all the families, students, friends and supporters who make this kind of community engagement possible. For more info visit capkids.org. 🌟
 #CAPkidsjax
Hurry! There are only a few spots left for the CAP Studio Artists Spring Workshop Series. CAP Studio Artists is an immersive visual art program designed for young creators grades 3 - 8, ready to take their artistic practice to the next level.🎨

Register your budding artist NOW for classes starting January 10 at our link in bio🎉

CAP has partnered with Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church for this program, so classes will be held at 4001 Hendricks Avenue, beginning Saturday, January 10, 2026 - May 9, 2026.

Over eight sessions, students will elevate their foundational art skills while developing their own unique creative voices. At the end of the program, every artist will present one completed piece in our Visual Art Showcase, professionally installed and exhibited in a local gallery—celebrating their growth, mastery, and creative journey! 🎨🖌️
#CAPkidsjax #TheArtsAddUp #artsed
No matter how you did it—whether you donated, shared a post, attended a performance, told a friend about CAP or volunteered with us—these #CAPkidsjax want to personally thank you for your support this year! THANK YOU 💜
Happy New Year!🌟
capkids.org
#ArtsEd #TheArtsAddUp #HappyNewYear
The giving season reminds us what matters most: the moment a student experiences pride after creating something meaningful—a painting, a song, a performance. That creative discovery transforms how young people see themselves and their potential.

At the Cathedral Arts Project, your support creates immediate impact. A $25 donation provides art supplies for students. $50 covers a week of music instruction. $100 brings dance education to students who would otherwise never have access.

Every gift strengthens our ability to serve more students throughout Northeast Florida.

Support CAP Students Today
As we close out this year and approach the finish line of our REIMAGINE Campaign, we're grateful for donors who understand how the arts transform young lives. Your support has strengthened generations of students in Jacksonville—building confidence, developing creative abilities and opening doors to new possibilities.

Before December 31, join us in creating brighter futures for more young people in our community at our link in bio. 🎨🎵🎻👯🎭
Learning music offers significant social, emotional and educational benefits for young people. Every day at CAP reinforces the knowledge that arts education is essential for supporting the whole child. This program supported in part by @kidshopealliancejax 🎻
@duvalcountyschools #capkidsjax #theartsaddup #artsed #musiceducation
The Jaguars have clinched the top spot in the AFC! Last chance to get your discounted tickets to experience the excitement from the stands THIS Sunday against the New York Jets, and support #CAPkidsjax simultaneously.🎉

Thanks to the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Jaguars Foundation, purchase general admission tickets here and all proceeds benefit CAP programs. Tickets start at $45: Sunday, December 14 |  1 p.m.  Link closes today at 5 PM so get yours now at our link in bio!!
GO JAGS🏈
Participation in the arts creates extraordinary change in the lives of children that sets them up to succeed in school and in life. Research consistently shows 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. For more information about CAP programs visit our link in bio. 🎶👯🎭🎨

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