WHAT WE DO
OUR MISSION
Refuge Art School provides a safe, equitable space for young people to explore their talents, combining arts education with mentorship, leadership development, and workforce preparation to empower their futures and their communities.
WE CREATE ARTISTS
HOW WE CREATE ARTISTS
At Refuge Art School, we believe that creating an artist is more than just teaching technique—it’s about providing access to opportunities, role models, and a community that supports growth. Our unique approach blends art education with hands-on experiences, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, allowing students to not only develop as artists but to envision themselves in fulfilling, meaningful roles within the art world.
ART EDUCATION
Art education develops creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills, offering students an outlet to explore diverse forms of intelligence often overlooked in traditional schools.
We offer art education through 4-5 after-school classes each semester, with 10-14 students per class to maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio, and each class runs 2-3 hours to ensure in-depth time for skill development. Middle school and high school students work together, encouraging collaboration and learning from one another. We also provide studio time outside of class, giving students space to create, especially those without access to creative spaces at home. And to make sure cost isn’t a barrier, we offer financial aid, so any student can join, regardless of their ability to pay.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Through art, students gain practical skills that prepare them for real-world challenges, helping them grow both personally and professionally.
We also focus on workforce development, providing students with opportunities to work as artists. Many of our students earn extra income or finance their tuition through work-study, helping instructors with classroom setup or cleanup. Others take on roles in paid public art projects, from murals to large-scale installations, or even step into instructional roles, art administration and project leads. These experiences teach students how to manage projects and contribute to larger community initiatives, preparing them for the realities of life as a working artist.
COMMUNITY & MENTORSHIP
In a safe and supportive environment, students thrive as they access the resources needed to overcome challenges, build confidence, and grow through mentorship and community connections.
Through our home at Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, one of the largest artist communities in the country, students have access to working artists who offer guidance in the form of guest instruction and mentorship. This support gives students a proper understanding of the different pathways available to them as artists.
At Refuge, we don’t just teach art—we give students the tools, experiences, and community they need to grow as artists and leaders.
OUR IMPACT
From 2023-2024, Refuge Art School has made significant strides in bringing art education to underserved students:
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We served 87 students across 14 programs, including ceramics, photography, and middle school art.
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Over 90% of our students received financial aid, with more than $74,000 awarded in total.
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67% of our teaching staff are now student instructors, marking an important step toward our long-term sustainability by creating a cycle of learning and teaching within our community.
OUR STORY
Refuge Art School was born from the vision of Nikki Giraffo, an experienced art educator, and 4 Nichols, a skilled carpenter. In 2013, Nikki began teaching in the Lowell public schools after a decade of experience. In her new role at alternative schools, she worked with students who had therapeutic and behavioral needs—students for whom art could be a powerful outlet. However, the lack of resources was stark: no budget for materials and, in some cases, not even a dedicated classroom. Despite these challenges, Nikki saw how much these students could benefit from a creative space where they felt safe and supported.
Determined to fill this gap, Nikki began offering art classes out of her kitchen in the lofts at Western Avenue Studios. The space quickly became a refuge for students—a place where they could express themselves and develop their artistic skills in a safe and welcoming environment. Next, Nikki and 4 were able to launch a pilot program with the support of Western Avenue Studios on the first-floor. 4 played a crucial role in shaping the physical space, using his carpentry skills to build out the classroom and studio areas where students would learn and create.
In the summer of 2023, nearly a decade later, with continued support from Western Avenue Studios and new support from the Parker Foundation and other generous donors, Refuge relocated to a beautiful, updated studio on the second floor of Western Avenue. Situated at the main entrance of the artist community, this space showcases our students at work and highlights the meaningful presence they hold within our community.
Together, Nikki’s educational expertise and 4’s craftsmanship transformed Refuge into more than just an art program—it became a community. What started as a small, kitchen-based effort has evolved into a vibrant school where former students return to teach and mentor others.
Today, Refuge Art School continues to provide a safe, inspiring space for students of all backgrounds, offering them the chance to grow through art.
IN THE NEWS
