Jenny Mendez talks about a holistic approach to arts programming

Jenny Mendez, director of the Mattie Rhodes Art & Cultural Center in Kansas City, Missouri, discusses the center’s work in arts education and community programming. The Mattie Rhodes Center has been a force on the west side of Kansas City for over 125 years.  Believing that the arts are a basic and integral part of every person’s education and growth, Mattie Rhodes opened its art center 50 plus years ago. In fact, Jenny Mendez first began going there as a child. In this podcast, Mendez discusses the art programs for children, preparation for back-to-school, their role in the school district, and the  center’s broader community programs, like the month long celebration of Dia de los Muertos. Mendez also discusses Mattie Rhodes’ holistic approach to its programming and services and the ways all the programs—art programs, emergency services, family services, and community support—work together and  intersect with one another to address family and community needs.