Ryman Carroll Foundation

Ryman Arts transforms lives by creating access and opportunity for a diverse community of young artists through self-expression, rigorous education in fundamental art skills, and mentoring.

Since 1990, Ryman Arts has empowered young artists through high-quality studio instruction, college and career guidance, and support services. Ryman Arts has cultivated the talent and promise of over 36,000 youth, who would otherwise not have access to advanced art education, through its core program, outreach efforts, and community engagement opportunities.

Beginning with one class for 12 students in 1990, Ryman Arts has grown to serve approximately 550 students annually. Ryman Arts offers free high-quality intensive studio classes taught by professional teaching artists, art supplies, college and career planning, field trips, support services, and community engagement opportunities—all at no cost to the student. This 1½-year-long program helps participants build transferable life skills, strengthen their self-discipline and self-confidence, and prepare for a positive, productive future. Classes are held on Sundays at the studios of Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles and on the campus of California State University, Fullerton in Orange County. Building on our ongoing classes, in 2025 we launched a new summer program at the University of Southern California Roski School of Art and Design - our first program expansion in over a decade. All campuses host Ryman Arts free of charge. Students complete this dynamic program ready to meet the challenges of college, work, and life in the 21st century.

Each year, Ryman Arts serves approximately 500 students in its core studio art program and over 1,500 through outreach at local high schools and community events. Students are enrolled in 9th-12th grade with ages ranging from 14-18 years. In 2024-25, students came from 170 zip codes with the majority coming from Orange and Los Angeles counties and others from Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Last year, more than 86% were from public schools and 52% of these students attended Title-1 designated schools.

Ryman Arts builds a diverse community of young artists who advance the arts and enrich the broader creative economy of Southern California. More than 95% of our graduates go on to college, and many become leaders shaping the cultural and creative landscape of the 21st century.

Our program is recognized for both its excellence and its deep commitment to accessibility for youth with limited opportunities. Honors include the Pasadena Art Alliance Impact Award (2019), SoCal PBS Community Champion (2015), and recognition as a semifinalist for the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards (2012–2014).

In 2013, we expanded to a second site at California State University, Fullerton, enabling us to serve more students across the region. Since then, Ryman Arts has doubled its capacity and now serves approximately 550 youth annually in our core program. Celebrating 35 years of impact, our longevity demonstrates the program’s relevance and transformative role in the lives of young artists.

In 2018, we refined our mission to better reflect the evolving needs of our students, while remaining rooted in our legacy of rigorous skill-building, mentorship, and accessibility. Guided by this mission, we continue to adapt our outreach strategies to ensure equity of access for students most in need.

Looking ahead, we are prioritizing greater representation of Hispanic and Latino (Latinx) youth in our student body—building from an average of 25% in 2018–19 toward a goal of 35% in 2024–25—with the broader aim of aligning more closely with the demographics of Southern California’s high school population.

Ryman Arts is seeking:

1) Financial support to sustain its core program for 300 talented youth at Ryman Arts' Orange County site, California State University, Fullerton. Support for a semester scholarship is $2,000 for each student.

2) Energetic individuals committed to promoting quality art education to serve as Ryman Arts Board members.

3) Individuals to host a behind-the-scenes field trip for Ryman Arts students at your creative business or studio to introduce career options in the arts.

4) Job opportunities for a Ryman Arts alumnus as an intern at your creative business or studio to provide real world work experience to a college student or recent graduate.

Ryman Arts provides an enriching experience with classrooms that reflect the cultural, social, and economic diversity of Southern California, serving students who are enrolled in 9th-12th grade, ages 14-18. In 2024-25, students came from 170 zip codes with the majority coming from Orange and Los Angeles counties and others from Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Last year, more than 86% were from public schools and 52% of these students attended Title-1 designated schools.