January 2026 Newsletter
As we move through January and the second half of Season 14, there is so much to look forward to and celebrate during this reflective time. In this newsletter, hear directly from our founder, Dr. Alex Harris, as he shares a heartfelt and grounding message amidst the busyness of the season. We also feature a special interview with Alisha, our new YCA Director, a recap of our ACT Social, and highlights from our Holiday Tour.
A Message From Our CEO/Founder
Dr. Alex Harris
“As we embrace the rush and rhythm of the second half of Season 14, our organization is alive with preparation, possibility, and purpose.
The months ahead are filled with meaningful events and activities designed for our students, families, and the greater community—each one an invitation to connect, create, and celebrate.
In the midst of this beautiful momentum, I am reminded of the importance of allowing the creativeness of our human existence to run free.
Too often, we become overwhelmed by the rigor of day-to-day demands and forget to exhale. We forget to breathe. We forget to let the breeze of the wind and the warmth of the winter sun remind us of what makes us human: love, laughter, imagination, and play.
The philosopher Aristotle once wrote, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” This truth sits at the center of our work. What we do here is not only about excellence and discipline—it is about nurturing the heart, honoring curiosity, and making room for joy alongside growth.
May we remember—over and over again, a thousand times more—to live, to love, to learn, and to play along the way.
If you have not yet experienced one of our productions or a Behind the Scenes (BTS) moment this season, please don’t let the season end without taking that pause.
Join us. Experience the talent, drive, and creativity of our remarkable students, and allow yourself a moment to truly live, love, learn, and play—UBUNTU (I AM, Because You Are).”
With Gratitude,
Alex Harris
An Interview with Newly Appointed YCA Director: Alisha H.
Fostering Empathy in the Classroom and Expanding ACT’s Impact
“This is probably what I’ve been waiting for my whole life. In many ways, my entire life has been preparing me for this moment. When you truly love what you do and it’s part of who you are, it doesn’t feel like a job anymore. It’s waking up every day and doing exactly what you love. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to explore and expand in this role—because people want to see art.
Being a director is monumental to me. I want to grow this program, expand it into other states, and make it something that reaches as many communities as possible. This work needs to be at the forefront, because this is where children need to grow and thrive. They need a safe space. That’s something I make sure exists in all of my classes—a place where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing whatever they need to. Creating a safe space is essential. It’s the only way to truly foster creativity.”
Alisha has been with ACT since June of last year and has already made a significant impact in our community. She is a Visual Art Teaching Artist at several local sites and was recently promoted to YCA Director, serving both the Tampa and St. Petersburg cohorts.
As a visual art educator, Alisha fosters a safe and supportive environment where students are encouraged to express themselves authentically and creatively. Her classroom approach is art-therapy–informed, allowing students to process and release whatever is on their hearts through their work. At the core of her teaching philosophy is a commitment to cultivating empathy and helping students flourish—an approach she brings wholeheartedly to her leadership within the Young Creators Alliance.
Excerpts From Our Interview
Can you tell us a little background on how you became a visual artist and what drew you to the arts?
I guess the cliché thing—since I was younger, I’ve always been interested in the arts, whether it be singing, fashion, or whatever it was. Luckily, I had my mother who supported me in all of those things. Whenever I wanted fabric or wanted to redo something, she would sew it for me. I was voted “Most Original” in high school as a senior because she made my clothes. I loved it.
Most of my career has been in customer service, whether face-to-face or in telecommunications. I went to the Art Institute of Atlanta for fashion and merchandising. While I was in Atlanta, doors opened for me to work with third parties associated with designers like Michael Kors, Coach, and Lafayette 148 New York. I was able to work as a liaison and ambassador in those roles, which opened my eyes to a lot within the industry and gave me valuable insight.
I started that around 2013, but since then I’ve had to do different jobs—working in warehouses, driving forklifts, doing whatever I needed to do. I was also a corporate trainer for about seven years in a legal setting. I was given leeway to be as creative as I wanted within the training department to make sure people were trained correctly. I implemented a lot of visual and digital art into training modules and compliance work.
I got the opportunity in June to work with ACT. Throughout the years, I’ve taught visual arts and styling. I’m a stylist as well, so a lot of that intertwines. I’ve sung for benefit galas and been on a worship team for a long time. Art has always been there.
How would you describe your approach in the classroom?
I take more of an art therapy approach because of the settings I’m in. I work in elementary schools, and once a month I do vision boarding at an alternative school. I face different challenges with those students, but art becomes a common ground. I bring what I call an “art buffet” and encourage them to release whatever is on their minds and in their hearts through art. I can literally see them soften.
I do have assignments for them, which I keep and sometimes display, but I also give them a lot of freedom. I bring as many art supplies as I can carry and give them space to create. Everybody is born an artist, but as we grow and go through school, we often suppress that creativity to survive in the industries we work in. I try to help them understand that it’s always in them and they can always let that art out.
What’s your favorite thing about teaching ACT students?
That they’re open—whatever the assignment is. I love how they light up when they realize they can do something they actually want to do. Especially with YCA, they’re already focused on their major or minor—whether that’s theater, fashion, or something else. Giving them that platform is amazing, because you see a side of them that parents or friends might not see. They’re living in their element and in their truth as creative people.
What skills or lessons do you hope students gain?
Empathy. As they do art, their hearts soften. I incorporate little lessons while they’re working—talking about life, encouraging them, reminding them there are no limits. If they can do it in art, they can do it in work and in life. I want them to never forget the part of themselves that loves to create.
As YCA Director, what excites you about working with the cohort?
I love seeing them in their element and flourishing. My whole goal in life is to see people succeed. Being in that moment with them and extending that energy to others matters, especially in a world that can make people rigid and cold very quickly. As a director, I’m excited about recruiting, getting people excited about what these teenagers can do, and showing that, even with everything going on in the world, we’re still instilling morals and ethical values—especially through art.
What do you think sets YCA apart from other arts programs?
Encouragement. Whether it’s from instructors, directors, or the founder, there’s always encouragement and constructive feedback. You can be your authentic self here. Instructors understand the struggles because they’ve lived them, and that’s what sets YCA apart.
Can you share an example of a student’s growth?
There’s a student at a Christian academy I work with. From the first project, I could tell she was artistic. When I bring supplies, it’s like Disney World for her. I give her larger canvases and extra materials, especially if I know she may not have them at home. She’s always excited to create and often asks if she can freestyle after finishing assignments. By the end of class, she’s surrounded by scraps of paper and supplies—it feels like home to her. That’s beautiful to me.
As YCA Director, what excites you most about shaping the cohorts and the program’s future?
I’ve already talked to Darnell about expanding into Pasco County. I’m on it. I’m 45, and this feels like what I’ve been preparing for my whole life. When you love what you do and it’s part of who you are, it doesn’t feel like a job. I want students to understand that technology is a tool, not a replacement for creativity. Being a director is monumental to me—expanding this program, taking it to other states, and creating safe spaces where kids can grow. A safe space is the only way to foster creativity.
ACT Social at the Tampa EDITION Punch Room
We were grateful to recently gather for an ACT Social hosted by Ms. Diane McNeel at the Tampa EDITION Punch Room. The beautiful and intimate setting provided a meaningful space for ACT to share more about our mission and the impact of our work in the community.
During the event, Alex Harris spoke about ACT’s impact, our evidence-based curriculum, and what sets ACT apart—our empowering environment that nurtures students to believe in themselves, discover their purpose, and confidently share their gifts with the world. He then performed a moving song, blessing us with his artistic gifts. We were also proud to feature a talented ACT student performer, whose artistry served as a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
Thank you to Ms. Diane McNeel and all who joined us for an inspiring evening of connection, creativity, and community.
ACT’s 13th Annual Holiday Tour Was a Blast!
Our 13th Annual Holiday Tour wrapped up last month, and we are thrilled to celebrate another successful annual tour. This season, our students had the opportunity to spread joy, hope, and inspiration throughout our community through the power of the Arts.
We were honored to perform at a variety of wonderful events and locations, including the Parrish Hometown Christmas Community Event, Holiday in the Park in Pinellas Park, The Ring, Aviata Palms, Chick-fil-A, Hearts of Valor, and Aviata Seminole. Each stop allowed our students to connect with new and diverse audiences and share their talents in meaningful ways.
Thank you to all of our students, community partners, families, and supporters who made this year’s Holiday Tour possible. Your continued support helps us bring impact the community through Art.