Open Ground Studios is honored to spotlight the artistic talents of the amazing, generous, and award-winning Youth Arts Collective Mentors. This year marks YAC’s  20th anniversary when Marcia Perry and Meg Biddle opened their hearts and studios to mentor young artists through art. Over the past two decades, YAC has grown their mentorship staff to include local professional artists, entrepreneurs and even adult YAC alumni. YAC mentors share more than their artistic expertise: they also teach life, job, and emotional skills. These artist mentors have deeply touched the lives of over 900 young artists and their families in ways that reach far beyond high school and college. It’s been life changing, sometime life-saving. YAC’s motto “Do art. Be kind.” guides their mentoring: Their mission is to inspire creativity, kindness, and confidence in our youth through artistic expression and mutual respect. OGS is proud to shine light on the art and power of these creative community leaders.