“Empowering youth to use the arts for local, national, and global community-building initiatives.”

Mission Statement:

At the Big Picture Foundation, our mission is to empower children by providing them with the resources and opportunities to contribute to a global community through the arts. We strive to foster exploration of social, political, and environmental topics through artistic expression. This is achieved by facilitating online sharing of children's art projects, encouraging the use of art to strengthen communities locally and globally, and providing opportunities for children to learn about current events, geography, politics, and contemporary art through global collaborations. Together, we aim to cultivate socially conscious and globally aware individuals who use art as a catalyst for positive change.

Founded in 2017 by Kim Tamelonis, a Rye Middle School art teacher, the non-profit aims to empower middle and high-school-aged children to create a connected global community through the arts. Tamelonis' efforts have fostered connections between Rye students and various schools and communities worldwide, enabling young leaders to engage in activism through artistic expression. With the support of The Rye Arts Center, the Big Picture Foundation is expanding its youth initiatives.

Following Tamelonis' temporary departure from the organization, new coordinator, Laura Anechiaricho, has revitalized the Big Picture Foundation at The Rye Arts Center. The organization is excited about the promising years ahead.

The Rye Arts Center invites individuals interested in art and community service, both locally and globally, to join the Big Picture Foundation at their reoccurring meetings, held the first and third Monday of every month at 4:00PM at The Rye Arts Center. As the organization gears up again, it welcomes new participants. For more information about the Big Picture Foundation, please visit their website or email bigpicturefoundation@ryeartscenter.org.