Portraits Beyond Boundaries is a community arts not-for-profit, volunteer organization that was founded in 2008 by mother and daughter Susan Lazar Hart and Kelsey Hart. Its mandate is to get children to discover themselves through art and to learn about other people through art, then gift their art to someone else, through art exchanges. The general model is outreach – they conduct short-term art workshops with children and youth in both Canada and abroad.

Portraits Beyond Boundaries has facilitated art workshops in Nepal, New Zealand, Canada, Australia and England (it has no limits to the countries it will volunteer in!) It is based in Montreal and Toronto. They work with children and youth, ages 6-18. Each workshop has from 10-75 participants; last year they worked with about 200 children and youth. The arts disciplines offered are primarily visual arts and writing (poetry, creative) but, they have engaged other art forms.

Portraits Beyond Boundaries is managed by the founders and volunteer directors (Susan and Kelsey.) They team up with local teachers, community workers and artists. They conduct art workshops in donated venues such as schools and community centers (including an ashram!). They do not have a permanent studio (though their website aims to be their “permanent studio!”)  They offer workshops that are both drop-in (for kids on the street), and pre-arranged with schools/not-for-profits. It is free of charge. They have not had art exhibits yet, though they would like to. Students and their artwork can be seen on their website.

Portraits Beyond Boundaries is really good at providing children and youth with the chance to paint/draw/create by offering supplies and guidance in unique and diverse communities.  Its target this year is to make the website fabulous, more interactive and to continue to grow the organization. Kelsey indicated that some guidance with strategic planning and fundraising would be helpful. As a volunteer organization, their budget is modest.

Interview/questionnaire with Kelsey Hart, Co-founder/Co-Director on February 18/10.

Please see ArtBridges’ Google Map for contact information.