HAMDEN, CT, May 26, 2025 — Arts for Learning CT is delighted to announce a $3,000 grant from the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation in support of the continuation of Express Yourself, the after-school arts learning initiative at Smalley Elementary School in New Britain. This generous award builds on the Foundation’s commitment to advancing arts education and youth empowerment in the region.
Express Yourself offers engaging, arts-integrated workshops and performances, spanning visual arts, music, theater, and dance, to help students explore their creativity, strengthen social-emotional skills, and build confidence in a supportive environment. Delivered by culturally responsive Teaching Artists and aligned with school goals, the program will continue thanks to this newest round of funding.
“Thanks to the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, our Smalley students can continue to express their voices, stretch their imagination, and grow through hands-on arts experiences after the school day ends,” said Jed Kornbluh, Director of Business Development at AFLCT. “This support ensures that no student is left behind in having access to the arts, no matter their background or circumstances.”
In the 2023–24 school year, AFLCT reached more than 65,000 students statewide through over 1,700 programs. This specific support from Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation highlights the planning’s focus on expanding meaningful arts opportunities in under-resourced communities of Hartford County.
About Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation
The Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation aims to strengthen the communities it serves in Connecticut by providing support to nonprofit organizations focused on education, youth development, healthcare, and community enrichment.