Twenty years ago, Arts for Learning Maryland (then Young Audiences of Maryland) looked and felt a lot like it did when it was founded in 1950. A staff of four was focused on booking artists for predominantly school assemblies, mostly in the Baltimore area.

Then Stacie Sanders Evans was hired as president & CEO.

In her two inspiring decades leading Arts for Learning (A4L), Stacie’s passion and commitment to arts integration has resulted in a dramatic transformation. Today, more than 155,000 students a year participate in A4L’s artist-led programs across Maryland. A 60+ person staff creates innovative and nationally modeled initiatives. 190 teaching artists are contracted each year to inspire students to create, learn, and find joy–bringing over $3M of paid opportunities for artists in Maryland. Over 10,000 educators are impacted, through professional development and arts-integrated programs.

Stacie leads with joy, a deep commitment to the arts in education, and a steadfast belief in its transformative impact on student learning. She inspires everyone around her to go for it, to try new things, and to push innovative strategies and engaging programs.

Last month, staff, board, partners, artists, and friends surprised Stacie with an anniversary celebration at Creative Alliance in South Baltimore. Everyone had an absolute blast honoring Stacie and returning the enthusiasm that she showers on each of us! See for yourself in the photos.

Congratulations and thank you, Stacie!