In 2014 the Express Yourself! Justin Ferrari Memorial Fund was established as part of the Carnegie’s commitment to engage youth. It began as a need-based scholarship program that supported students wishing to pursue classes in art, dance, theater or writing at the Carnegie. A gift from the Jeani and John Ferrari Family Foundation, combined with generous community donations, opened the door for children to pursue creative goals, explore new skills and to express themselves through the arts.
Donations to the Express Yourself fund are fully tax-deductible and 100% of your contribution goes directly to support need based scholarships.
The Express Yourself! Fund has grown significantly over the past six years. Scholarships for young people are still an essential part of the Carnegie’s mission, but now we have expanded use of these funds for a broader range of support for youth participation in the arts – including field trips, classes, special events, and collaborations with youth organizations. The Express Yourself! Fund can provide support for any activities that engage young people with the Carnegie. Through underwriting facility use, staffing for youth events, purchasing classroom supplies, transportation grants, outreach to schools, and (of course) scholarships, the Carnegie opens opportunities for every child in this community to express themselves creatively.
Justin Ferrari “found” himself in music. As a teenager, Justin was an avid fan of the Heavy Metal rock sound and he listened to a wide variety of music in that genre. As well as music, Justin expressed himself through drawing and writing. In Justin’s memory, the Express Yourself scholarship is meant to encourage any young person to experience all that the arts have to offer.
