Beverley T. Sorenson

Personal Biography:

Beverley Sorenson, the founder of Art Works For Kids brings a legacy of love and support for the arts. Growing up, Beverley's family was deeply involved in artistic pursuits. As a child, she participated in dance and music training. As an adult, Beverley and her husband Jim have been ardent supporters of both the arts and education through their membership on the board of the family's Legacy Foundation, and in other philanthropic efforts. Although Beverley's dedication to the arts is strong, her love and concern for children is the driving force behind her efforts with art works for kids. She raised eight children of her own, and now has almost 50 grandchildren. She graduated from the University of Utah with a teaching certificate, and taught kindergarten in a Quaker school in New York. As a young woman, Beverley also served as the children's music coordinator for her church. For many years, Beverley has been concerned about the lack of arts education in Utah schools, particularly elementary schools. As a member of the University of Utah College of Fine Arts, Fine Arts Advisory Board, she recognized both the lack of resources dedicated to teacher training in arts education, and the lack of legislative funding for school-based arts programs. A catalyzing event occurred in 1995 during a visit Beverley made to Lincoln Elementary School in Salt Lake City. During the visit, she saw the dramatic impact a quality visual arts program was having on the most troubled school in the area. She saw first-hand the bridges it created between students of different cultures, religions and economic backgrounds. Beverley heard from the teachers and principal how the arts decreased behavior problems, increased cooperation and self-esteem, and increased learning. She also heard how these benefits spilled over into families and the surrounding community to bring them closer together. This experience, coupled with a very personal concern for a grandson who was struggling in school, motivated Beverley to dedicate her time and resources to launching art works for kids. She and a small team of professional arts educators started with just six schools and a K-2 program. Ten years later, art works forkids is serving literally thousands of children and teachers throughout the state.