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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 yearβ€”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,Β 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

β€œMs. 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

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

β€œThe 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

β€œCAP class helped me understand there are a whole bunch of people with anxiety, and I learned that I don't have to have anxietyβ€”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 wellβ€”and don’t forget to tag @CathedralArts on Facebook or @CathedralArtsProject on Instagram!
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December 15, 2025

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Come out to this Riverside Arts Market and cheer for our Emerging Artists Programs students in the CAP Dance Ensemble, CAP String Orchestra and CAP Theatre Company on the River Stage this Saturday, May 2 beginning at 10:30 am! πŸŽ»πŸ‘―πŸŽ­Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Spring for the Arts is tomorrow and the silent auction is officially OPEN – you can place your bids remotely or in-person with the auction link in bio!

This annual event 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 paint brushes, instruments, scripts and dance shoes in the hands of more children in Northeast Florida than ever before. Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.πŸŽ‰Happy bidding!
Cathedral Arts Project (CAP) is grateful to announce that we are recipients of the Find Your Light Foundation's 2026 grant! Their support allows us to to empower every child’s creative spirit, ensuring that students across Northeast Florida have access to essential arts education that recognizes, grows and amplifies every student's unique skills and strengths.

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, @Fylfoundation, for championing the power of the arts and helping CAP make a lasting impact! #TheArtsAddUp #ArtsEducation
It was a whirlwind weekend at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, where more than 1,000 Cathedral Arts Project students danced, acted, sang, drummed, and played their hearts out at the annual Performing Arts Showcase!

Thank you to our emcees, teaching artists, assistants, staff, volunteers, parents and students who made this weekend so special. Your dedication created a truly magical experience for everyone involved.

Special thanks to State Representative Kiyan Michael; Darryl Willie, Duval County School Board, District 4; and Melody Bolduc, Duval County School Board, District 7. We are grateful for leaders who champion the power of arts education and recognize its lasting impact on student learning and growth.

Huge thank you to our sponsors, The Willits Foundation, VyStar Credit Union, Cara & Scott Baity and Anne & Marc Mayo. 
Stay tuned for more Showcase photos! 🌟
"Through the Cathedral Arts Project (CAP), children discover what it feels like to give their full attention to something meaningful and in doing so they are reclaiming a skill that many of us have forgotten how to practice.
 
We used to think of focus as something we simply had or didn't. But what if it's more like a muscle that weakens when it's rarely used?

Hand a child a violin, a sketchbook or a script and watch time disappear. In that moment of total focus, something extraordinary happens. Learning deepens.  At CAP, that’s the quiet brilliance of arts education; it trains not just the eye or ear, but the mind to stay." 
- Kimberly Hyatt, President & CEO, Cathedral Arts Project 

Learn more at our link in bio.🌟
#TheArtsAddUp
CAP’s Encore summer camps keep students engaged and creating when school’s out. Spots are limited, so register your young artists now at our link in bio!🌞
Classes will be held at 4001 Hendricks Avenue, 32207.

CAP Summer camp offerings include:
Summer Music Exploration: Ukulele
Summer Music Exploration: Strings
CAPSO Strings Camp: Summer Musical
CAP Studio Artists: Summer Sessions
CAP Theatre Company: Summer Musical Experience

Enroll today! 🎻🎭🎨🎡
Only one month away! Join CAP for the 21st Annual Spring for the Arts on Friday, April 17 at Epping Forest Yacht Club. Get your tickets to attend or become a sponsor today at our link in bio.πŸ’œ

At this signature fundraiser, CAP is honored to 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. Generating over $9 million since its inception, it is the most visible event supporting arts education along the First Coast. Join us in support of essential arts education that recognizes, grows and amplifies every child’s unique skills and strengths.πŸŽ¨πŸŽ»πŸ‘―πŸ‘―
Always wanted to volunteer at CAP? This is your opportunity! We need six volunteers for the Performing Arts Showcase on Friday, March 27 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. Experience the excitement of this annual event and support CAP through volunteering. Email melanie@capkids.org your availability and register as a volunteer at our link in bio.πŸŽ‰

The Performing Arts Showcase is the highlight of the year for CAP performing arts students, teachers and families. The student performances include theatre, ballet, hip hop, strings, percussion, chorus and much more! πŸ‘―πŸŽ΅πŸŽ»πŸŽ­

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