The
Arts
Change
Lives
The
Arts
Change
Lives
We support arts education for all.
Amp Up Arts is a statewide 501(c)3 nonprofit arts education organization with a strong commitment to promoting increased access to preK-12 arts education and fostering artistic talents in our communities. We believe in equitable arts access for all Alabama students through art teachers, teaching artists, and arts organization partnerships.
In schools, we:
- Provide in-school, after-school, and summer programs support academic achievement, creativity, critical thinking skills, school culture, and student engagement through all art forms
- Assist school leaders in obtaining funding to support arts residencies and experiences
- Collect and disseminate data on student access, engagement, and facilitation of school’s individual arts education goals
In communities, we:
- Connect organizations, schools, educators and teaching artists together through strategic planning and community meetings
- Provide professional development to teaching artists and educators to prepare and support them as they teach in schools
- Create and share advocacy resources for community members to use to put advocacy into action
- Educate communities, educators, and schools on the importance of advocacy and actionable steps to create sustainable arts education in their area
By the Numbers
(since 2022)
Collaborative Sites
Artists in Schools
Schools Served
Students Served
Amp Up Arts Spotlight
Grace Marrochello, Dance Teaching Artist
Grace Marrochello, originally from Albany, New York, moved to Tuscaloosa to pursue her passion for dance at The University of Alabama. During her time at UA, she performed in and choreographed for numerous shows, while also dedicating her time to volunteer work with Unity Dance (now Rooted Tuscaloosa) and The Cerebral Palsy Engagement Workshop—two organizations focused on making dance accessible to individuals with special needs. It was through these experiences that Grace discovered her true passion: teaching dance.
She loves the feeling of watching her students develop new skills and express their creativity in meaningful ways. Currently, Grace serves as the Box Office and Marketing Coordinator at The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa, where she continues to advocate for arts inclusivity. With The Art Council’s support, she continues teaching dance in local elementary schools- working to make movement more accessible to all. Grace is committed to expanding access to dance and using it as a tool for connection within her community.
This upcoming school year, Grace will be the Teaching Artist in Residency at Crestmont Elementary School (Northport, AL), and will lead students, Kindergarten-4th Grade, in dance techniques. Students will work with Mrs. Grace on creating End of the Semester performances for their families and community.
The West Alabama Arts Education Collaborative is so lucky to have teaching artists, like Grace, who continuously pour into the students in our area.
Amp Up Arts Spotlight
Joanna Lemon, The Art Garage
Amp Up Arts Spotlight
Ashley Catrett, Educator and Teaching Artist
Ashley served as a teaching artist for K-8th graders attending the After-School Program at Brantley School in Crenshaw County during the 2024-2025 academic year. She serves as the Superintendent of Crenshaw County Schools and was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Johnson Center for the Arts.
Recently, Ashley spent a week in Guatemala on an agricultural mission trip. She used art to teach classes in pollination. Earlier in June, she took a group of Crenshaw County students and chaperones, mostly teachers, to Puerto Rico where they “Experienced the Arts” in a weeklong service trip.
Amp Up Arts Spotlight
Karen Brummund, Teaching Artist
Amp Up Arts Spotlight
Andres Alean, Professional Violinist and Educator
Andres Alean is a professional violinist and dedicated educator from Colombia. Currently, he’s an Education Instructor with the Mobile Symphony Education Program, bringing the joy of music to many students in the Mobile County schools every week. Andres also runs his private Violin Studio, where he loves watching students grow from their very first hesitant bow strokes to confidently playing complex pieces. On top of that, he’s the owner and director of Mariachi Moderno Internacional, a fantastic mariachi band that is always working to share the vibrant sounds of Latin music and culture with more people across the Gulf Coast.
Amp Up Arts Spotlight
Mayssam, Amp Up Arts Mobile Teaching Artist
Art is a journey for students in the Amp Up Arts Program. Art transports them from the four walls of the classroom to magical places within their imaginations. As an art instructor of the Amp Up Arts program, it is my belief that each child is an artist and an individual. The Amp Up Arts Program gives students confidence in themselves. Some use art as a creative outlet to express what cannot be said in words. It is my job to help them find their creative voice. I am proud to be part of this program, supported by the Mobile Arts Council.
Amp Up Arts Spotlight
Tiersha Faith Laird, Multimedia Artist
Tiersha Faith Laird is a multimedia artist and curator from Mobile, Alabama. As she continues her arts education at Goldsmith’s University of London, her commitment to making art accessible and enriching her local community thrives. As a teacher she aims to guide students in their artistic exploration and self-expression. Her work with Amp Up Arts reflects her adamant belief in the transformative power of art making. She believes nurturing creativity while building meaningful connections can change anything from a sour mood to a life’s path. Her work is a testament to the joy, growth, and creative spirit that flourish through the Amp Up Arts program.
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