City After School Art Project Takes to the Skies
Portraits of Hope Project to Display San Diego's "6 to 6" Student Artwork on Ameriquest Blimp

SAN DIEGO - Students at the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School in City Heights today put the finishing touches on artwork that will soon take flight over cities around the country. Nearly 80 children participating in San Diego's "6 to 6" program have been selected to provide artwork as part of the national Portraits of Hope Project to promote the importance of children's art.

Students in the San Diego's "6 to 6" program were selected to provide artwork painted on a special material that, when completed, will be "quilted" together with artwork from other participating cities and will cover a blimp sponsored by Ameriquest Mortgage. The blimp, dubbed "the world's largest airborne art project," will fly over the handful of cities chosen to participate in the Portraits of Hope Project and serve as symbol of what can be done when people work together. Students will also paint a miniature version of the blimp to take home.

"The Portraits of Hope project is a wonderful way to demonstrate the benefits of art in captivating young, creative minds towards a project that instills a sense of pride and accomplishment," said Deputy Mayor Toni Atkins, whose Third District includes City Heights. "I am proud San Diego's nationally recognized "6 to 6" program was selected to participate in the blimp art and quite literally give children a reason to look to the skies and to see their dreams become reality."

San Diego's "6 to 6" program is funded by the City of San Diego along with state and federal grants, and currently operates at 178 school campuses serving 20,000 children and their families. Studies show that kids who participate in after school programs earn better grades, miss less school, and have improved classroom behavior. The program has been providing safe and supervised education, enrichment, and recreation activities for children between the ages of five to 12 in San Diego since 1998.

Founded by Ed Massey and Bernie Massey, Portraits of Hope engages thousands of children and adults who face challenges of vulnerability, pain, isolation and fear with joyous, prideful and innovative outlets that culminate in spectacular works of art. Portraits of Hope has developed projects throughout the United States, Japan and Mexico, transforming buildings, arenas and all types of facilities. The program is sponsored by Ameriquest Mortgage.

San Diego's "6 to 6" Program is overseen by the City of San Diego's Community and Economic Development Department, in partnership with area school districts. The program is committed to opening community schools before and after normal school hours to provide a safe place where elementary and middle school-aged children and youth can receive academic assistance and tutoring, and participate in recreational activities such as arts, crafts and sports while their parents are at work.

For more information about San Diego's "6 to 6" Program contact the City's Community and Economic Development Department at (619) 236-6312 or visit the City's web site at www.sandiego.gov/cpci.

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