Blackwing Foundation
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About the Foundation

We believe that active and ongoing student participation in a comprehensive arts and music curriculum is crucial for every child. 

Our Mission

Our mission is to champion the joy and significance of arts and music in education. We believe in fostering creative partnerships that make a lasting, positive impact on young minds. By nurturing a love for artistic expression, we aim to empower individuals and cultivate thriving communities. Join us as we work toward a world where the transformative power of the arts enriches the lives of students, igniting their imaginations and unlocking their limitless potential.

Pathways to Creativity

Rooted in our commitment to champion arts and music in education, this FREE program is designed for effortless implementation BY teachers, FOR teachers, allowing kids to experience the joy of artistic expression.

Art Series

These carefully crafted pathways cater to 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade levels, each equipped with a convenient grab-and-go approach while introducing students to a unique artistic medium—drawing, watercolors, and pastels. Follow along with our partner, Kim, as she walks students through creating their own unique work of art.

Lettering Series

This series is designed for students in 3rd grade and beyond. It offers a unique opportunity for young learners to develop and refine their lettering style. Join our partner, Heather, as she encourages students to embrace the analog lifestyle through lettering.

Pathways to Creativity

Rooted in our commitment to champion arts and music in education, this FREE program is designed for seamless integration into classrooms. It is designed for effortless implementation BY teachers, FOR teachers, allowing kids to experience the joy of artistic expression.

Art Series Lettering Series

Our Partners

Art Classes for Kids

Let’s Letter Together

Teach Rock

Johnny Irion

San Joaquin County Office of Education

The Mastheads

Music Will

Draw Together

Learn More

  • Art Classes for Kids

    Regional Partner

    Art Classes for Kids, led by the talented Kim Bavington, is on a mission to bring the joy of fine art to every child, anywhere.

  • Let’s Letter Together

    International Partner

    Heather Martinez, the visionary behind Let’s Letter Together, is on a mission is to facilitate the creative expression of others through her online or in-person lettering courses- she’s got something for everyone.

  • TeachRock.org

    National Partner

    Teach Rock brings learning alive through music, providing educators, parents, and community organizations with hundreds of free unit and lesson plans ranging from Kindergarten through high school.

  • Johnny Irion

    Blackwing Musician

    Blackwing Musician, Johnny Irion, in partnership with The Mastheads and their Fireside program, ignites creativity by guiding children through composing and original song. These talented young artists then have the opportunity to record and perform their song for their local community.

  • San Joaquin County Office of Education

    Local Partner

    Through the San Joaquin County Office of Education, professional artists partner with local schools to lead students on an immersive journey through a variety of disciplines in visual and performing arts to develop their creativity, self-expression, and a love for the arts. 

  • The Mastheads

    Regional Partner

    Elementary students work with local writers and artists to compose original poetry, culminating in an anthology of their student work and a community reading.

  • Music Will

    National Partner

    Through immersive, student-centered, and engaging lessons, Music Will brings modern music into the classroom through trained educators and free instruments.  

  • Draw Together

    National Partner

    Draw Together empowers learners to develop curiosity, creativity, confidence and connection through an interactive art class and learning universe. 

Arts and music not only develop lifelong skills including creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, but also celebrate diverse cultures, fostering cultural awareness, and ensuring the preservation of artistic traditions for future generations. 

News & Updates

April Newsletter

April 26, 2025
Cultivating creativity in San Joaquin County! Learn how we partnered with local educators to showcase our free Pathways to Creativity Art and Lettering Series. Ready-to-go, video-based lessons and engaging resources for your Google Classroom!
https://blackwingfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_1268-scaled.jpg 1920 2560 Justine Sares https://blackwingfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BlackwingFoundationLogo-300x110.png Justine Sares2025-04-26 23:27:242025-04-26 23:58:44April Newsletter

March Newsletter

March 27, 2025
Unleash creativity with our free Art and Lettering Series! Perfect brain breaks for testing season, these programs include comprehensive resources and expert video lessons, all Google Classroom compatible.
https://blackwingfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Pathways-to-Creativity-Logo.png 1000 1000 Justine Sares https://blackwingfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BlackwingFoundationLogo-300x110.png Justine Sares2025-03-27 22:07:272025-04-28 16:29:11March Newsletter

February Newsletter

February 27, 2025
Ready to letter like a graphic novelist? Our new program is live! Learn from Heather Martinez and design your own comics. Plus, we're sharing highlights from #CASTEAM25 and inviting you to connect with us. See how our free programs benefit you and your students.
https://blackwingfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-27-at-8.52.05 AM.png 1066 1388 Justine Sares https://blackwingfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BlackwingFoundationLogo-300x110.png Justine Sares2025-02-27 17:02:212025-03-03 00:30:41February Newsletter

January Newsletter

January 28, 2025
Calling all comic book lovers! Our "Letter Like a Graphic Novelist" pathway launches next month. Get started with our free Intro to Lettering and see how we're bringing art to local classrooms. All our Art and Lettering Series are free and led by professional artists.
https://blackwingfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-28-at-9.29.18 AM-1.png 980 1270 Justine Sares https://blackwingfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BlackwingFoundationLogo-300x110.png Justine Sares2025-01-28 17:31:582025-03-03 00:30:49January Newsletter

December Newsletter

December 18, 2024
Igniting creativity at the CA STEAM Symposium! Discover how our free Art and Lettering Series empowers teachers. Reimagined art docent programs and analog lettering skills are at your fingertips. Connect with us at the symposium and beyond!
https://blackwingfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13797e15-3094-ac70-cd78-68057ed4d428.png 279 512 Justine Sares https://blackwingfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BlackwingFoundationLogo-300x110.png Justine Sares2024-12-18 22:50:512025-03-03 00:30:55December Newsletter

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Our Sponsors

 

Our Primary Endowment Sponsor is Blackwing LLC.  The principals of this family holding company have made substantial annual endowment gifts to assure a growing and sustainable funding source to support the Foundation mission over the long term.  They are also actively involved in conducting and leading the work and direction of the foundation toward fulfillment of its mission.  Foundation operations are further supplemented with annual operating fund support from additional corporate sponsors associated with the founders.

Additional funding support is sought from other philanthropic partners on an as needed basis, generally to support special one time outreach initiatives or efforts to scale programs to achieve broader reach and adoption once pilot level objectives on local or regional basis have been achieved.

© Copyright - Blackwing Foundation - 2024
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