FOUNDERS

Rachelle Wilson, Nick Jackson, and Edwina Clay knew the arts had power—and they wanted everyone to feel it. After teaming up at a local arts nonprofit, the trio saw just how much creative spaces could uplift a community. 

Inspired to do more, they launched a foundation dedicated to making the arts more accessible and inclusive—helping Southern California’s stages reflect the diversity and brilliance of the people who call it home.

With a shared commitment to advancing the performing arts, Art-E Foundation was formed in 2025 to carry forward their commitment to arts education, equity, and community empowerment.

 

While newly incorporated, this new entity allows for a refreshed focus on Entertainment, Education and Enrichment, with an eye toward future sustainability, innovation, diversity and inclusion.

 The formation of Art-E Foundation marks a new chapter—one that honors where we’ve been, and boldly steps into what’s next.

MISSION & VALUES

Mission: The Art-E Foundation is committed to Entertaining, Educating, and Enriching our communities through the performing arts. Our mission is to serve the community through the performing arts. Creating pathways to Entertainment and arts Education while supporting artists, arts educators, and infrastructure that Enrich our community.

OUR CORE VALUES

Accessibility

Community Engagement

Collaboration

Diversity & Inclusion

Education

Artistic excellence

"Being a part of a ART-E Foundation sponsored performance has allowed me to continue with my passion for performing. I have been able to recreate iconic characters such as Clara's mother and Mother Ginger in Nutcracker to a dancer and supporting adult lead in Footloose. During these shows, I am honored to work alongside the student performers who are training to be accepted into their college arts programs or even a professional performing career. Every show Art-E Foundation has produced or supported has been very well received by the audience and community. Being a part of a Art-E show has allowed me to give back to the community that has supported my efforts as a mentor and educator in this field. "

— Marji Himes - MFA, MES

“Organizations like these are crucial to keeping the arts alive. I am so thankful to the foundation’s founders for giving me the opportunity to pursue my passion for performing onstage, even without a lifetime of professional experience. And even more, to work with such an amazingly talented and inspiring cast and crew, who volunteered hours of their time just to put on a great show. It was an unforgettable experience to work with a really special group of people all motivated by the same thing: a love of performing and bringing joy to audiences.”

— Adam Kenworthy, Ren McCormick in Footloose Dir. Nick Jackson