Our History

2023:  Art for Growth completes the first season of its SparkLights Audible Storyboard Anthology Series. In 2023, AFG also launched  SparkLights' View and Talk Sessions for Christ-centered schools and youth ministries.

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2022:  Art for Growth launches Community Flicks and its SparkLights Audible Storyboard Series.

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2021:  ​​ Art for Growth (AFG) opens its new headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland.  It launches both the Christian Arts & Community Production Hub (CACPH) and prepares for the launch of Community Flicks.

 

2020:   Research begins for the launch of the Christian Arts & Community Production Hub (CACPH).  AFG begins its search to find a new facility to house the project. 

 

2019:  AFG and the Stage Right Youth Performers produce new short films designed to teach Biblical life skills to young people all over the world.

 

2018:   AFG premieres short films produced with Stage Right Youth Performers and their parents.  Films will premiere at the Regal Kingstowne Theater in Alexandria Virginia.

 

2017:  AFG expands its filmmaking training and productions through its partnership with Prince George's county's Stage Right After School Program.
 

2014 - 2016:   AFG partners with Stage Right Before & After School Program.  Through the new partnership, AFG presents annual live productions, piano lessons, and life skills training for a steady group of youth ages 5 through 12.  AFG also provides artistic activities as part of Stage Right's summer camp.

 

2008 - 2014:  Art for Growth launches its first direct services program for Washington DC and Prince George's County Maryland Youth. The Teens Express program produces music videos, community performances, annual live showcases, studio recordings, and weekly life skills training.

2005 - 2007:   AFG works in partnership with Edgewood Community Services in Prince George's County to serve youth, ages 10-16, residing at the Central Gardens Apartment Complex. The program produced its first DVD project, titled "Bad Choices Ruin Lives." The PSA (short version) can be seen on our video production page. The full-length version is provided as a gift to our supporters.

AFG also launches its publishing subsidy, FreshView Books.   The publishing company released two titles - Feelings Come & Go, based on AFG's 1999 Workshop, and What To Do When People Get on Your Nerves.  Both books can be found on Amazon.  All proceeds go to support AFG services.
 

2004 - 2005:   AFG participants write and perform in a special original production.  The production expresses the concerns and challenges of adolescence. The production was performed for the nonprofit organization C.O.P.E. Inc.

 

2003 - 2004:   Art for Growth provides another year of afterschool services for Tri-County's Youth Services.  Its program takes place at the General Smallwood Middle School in Charles County, Maryland.

 

2002:   AGF works in partnership with the Fishing School an after-school program for inner-city youth located in Washington, DC. 

 

2001:   As a partner with Guide Program's After School Activity Project (ASAP), AFG served youth from four Montgomery County middle schools. The program's objective was to produce and perform one original production as a combined effort by student participants from each school. The production's title was TO BE or NOT TO BE.  The play presented both its participants and audiences valuable life lessons regarding the power of our choices.

2000:   AFG's Executive Director and youth leaders provide its Think or Consequences and Feelings Come & Go youth workshops for seven (7) of Maryland's National Park and Planning Commission's Community Centers on behalf of their summer youth participants.

 

1998 - 2000:   Our mission begins with workshops for educators for both private and public schools.