Hi Friends!
My name is Bridge and I am a Wisconsin-native (please don't ask me to say "bag"), post-baccalaureate student, paint instructor, and a passionate performer and theatre educator. I'm not sure at what point in my life I started considering myself an artist, but it was somewhere in-between my ballet recital to "Puff the Magic Dragon" at age three and the piece of paper on display that says "Bachelor of Fine Arts" at age 23.
Two years ago, I heard the question, "What are you going to do with a degree in Music Theatre?" almost on the daily. Without hesitation, I would always reply with "I plan on working in Children's Theatre." I am immensely grateful to say that for the past two years I have consistently been working in my field as an actor, teaching artist, and educator spanning from Wisconsin, Georgia, and my current home in the Twin Cities.
Through these teaching opportunities I have worked with thousands of kids. Although these have all been unique experiences, the universal thing I see across the board is the creativity and joyful exuberance all of these kids have. These young people have the ability to radiate positive energy, and I'm in awe of how lucky I am to be there to witness it.
I have become increasingly passionate about spreading arts integration through education. It breaks my heart to know that there are so many kids out there who have to deal with unfortunate health circumstances instead of creating and discovering and experiencing all the things every child deserves to.
SO, I've done some research and decided to take action. Children's Minnesota is one of the largest and top standing pediatric hospitals in the nation with two full hospitals, 12 primary care clinics, six rehabilitation sites, and 9 specialty care sites. Children's Minnesota also offers a Healing Arts Program that features architecture, landscaping, and paintings as well as performances in music, theatre and dance from local artists to enhance the healing process and overall healthcare experience for the patients and their families.
As a girl who consistently got picked last in gym class, I am challenging myself to run the longest race I have yet to run-- 10 miles! I am on the Children's Minnesota Team Superstars- around 35 of us are running to support various programs and cancer research throughout the organization. My personal goal is to raise $500 to go towards the Healing Arts Program. Our entire team's goal is $50,000 and we are well underway!
You can donate by hitting the little blue button on this page, or feel free to contact me for more information on the organization. OH! And if you donate, your thank you is a painting by me! Donate to the cause and receive a painting to remind you of the difference you made. Thank you for your hearts; these amazing little humans are so grateful for your contributions!
-Bridge
