The art of giving—and educating

Staci, an eighth grader in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, painted a big pink X over the angry-looking figure on her canvas. She called her work “Girliness Holds Back Anger.” It was creative and colorful—a work any parent would love. And so did the Progressive art patron who paid $50 to own it.

The acrylic painting was one of 43 artworks students displayed in an exhibition at Progressive headquarters called “The Art of Giving.” Sponsored by our Corporate Art department and The Progressive Insurance Foundation, the exhibition honored students enrolled in the Urban Bright program at Art House, a nonprofit organization that nurtures community involvement in arts and culture. Through Urban Bright, Art House provides inner-city schoolchildren with professional art instructors, supplies and art curriculum.

The two-month exhibition began with a reception for the young artists and their friends and families. Progressive employees and other attendees purchased the artworks; the artists and Art House split the proceeds.

“Seeing their work installed among our world-class art collection, in an environment that looks more like a gallery and less like their parents’ refrigerator, is huge for these students,” says Manager of Art Education Kristin Rogers.

The Art of Giving exhibition is one more way employees support cultural institutions, local artists and art education in their communities.