In celebration of our 30th anniversary, we are creating a circle of at least 30 champions of Ryman Arts who can support us by making a donation of $3,000 or more. This Circle is symbolic of our community that forms the foundation of our work and makes what we do possible.

We hope that in addition to this donation, you will share your story with us about why you believe in and support Ryman Arts through a short video, quote, or photos. The stories of the Circle of 30 will be compiled and shared here so that others can join in on the celebration of the vibrant legacy we have created together.

Impactful
Stories
of our
alumni &
supporters
below

Ryman Arts History

Students

Why Support Ryman Arts?

  • Ensure Ryman Arts remains free
    of charge for future generations
    of artistic youth
  • Grow our capacity to serve more
    young artists who have few
    other opportunities
  • Strengthen our ability to educate
    future creative leaders for the
    next thirty years
Impact Stories of Ryman Arts Alumni

Emily Cattouse

Emily Cattouse

“It [was] hard to get art supplies and [take] art classes because my family couldn’t afford it. The high school I attended [didn’t] see art education as a priority…so I felt stuck teaching myself. When I was admitted into Ryman Arts, all of that changed. Not only was I given supplies, classes, and guidance for college applications, but I made lifelong friendships. Every time I walk into class, I feel at home. I will forever be thankful.”

Oscar Magallanes

Oscar Magallanes

Oscar Magallanes

Oscar grew up in the Azusa barrio, living a tough and troubled youth that left him expelled from high school at age 15. Soon after that, he was accepted into the Ryman Arts program, which required him to re-enroll in school, and it changed his life. "I was a hard kid. In all honesty, I didn’t think I would make it to twenty. But Ryman was there for me during this transitional time and helped me get through by showing me that I was capable of a lot more than I ever thought possible."

Oscar "grew up" and found his calling to be a professional artist while in the Ryman Arts program. His work is influenced by the social and environmental issues of his upbringing in a Mexican-American Barrio east of downtown Los Angeles. He has had over 100 exhibitions including 7 solo exhibitions, several museum exhibitions and is represented in the permanent collection of the McNay Museum in San Antonio, Texas, the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago and La Salle University Art Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In addition to focusing his energy on his own artistic career, he has been involved in numerous other projects to help young artists, including serving on the boards of Ryman Arts, Self Help Graphics, and the Inner-City Arts Young Professionals. He says, "I envision Ryman Arts as a strong family that trains a student to be an aspiring artist who becomes a successful artist who then mentors a new Ryman student…I want to see mentor relationships develop. I think these are things we can all benefit from." 

Adriana Arambula

Adriana Arambula

“Growing up was tough enough and the only resources I received was to be spread thin amongst thousands of kids in my public school. My parents didn’t feel art utensils were a necessity so I would always have to find my own supplies—usually used. When I got into Ryman Arts, I felt so grateful. I knew I was going to get the right kind of education in art alongside great people, which Ryman Arts also illuminated. Now that I’m in college, I’m glad I have a great foundation in art.”

Michelle Ohm

Michelle Ohm

“I think all of my teachers have raised me...as an artist and educator.

I owe everything to all of them. My education at Crossroads School for the Arts and Sciences was incredible and has paved my way to where I am now…They also taught me work ethic and that art making is a way of life, a true practice, in that it is embedded into your everyday actions. Thinking is also making; it is the work before the work. At Ryman Arts, a weekend arts program I went to reinforced all of these lessons and opened doorways to college programs and professional opportunities within the arts. This program was also life changing, in that I decided that Arts Education was what I wanted to do with my life.”

Arrim Jung

Arrim Jung

Circle of 30 Header

teaching young artists. transforming lives.

Join the Circle of 30

Think of a quote, dig up a fun photo,
or share your story with a short video
- we will be reaching out to you soon!

To make a donation via check.
Please mail to:
Ryman Arts
1933 S. Broadway, 11th Floor, Suite 1138
Los Angeles, CA 90007

To make a multi-year donation:
Please email Diane at dbrigham(at)ryman.org
or call (213) 629-2787