EL CENTRO — The Foundation for Education, a non-profit dedicated to supporting Imperial County students, will host its fourth annual Autumn & the Arts fundraiser on Oct. 3. The sold-out event will feature live music, a dinner, as well as a student art exhibit, and both a silent and live auction.
This year, the Foundation for Education is launching its “Champion for the Arts” award which will honor four individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact on the arts in our community:
- Rainforest Art Project
- Debi Smerdon, DS Arts Studio & Gallery
- Miriam Villarreal-Marcuson, Wilson Junior High School
- Chef Fernando Nuñez, Calexico High School
Rainforest Art Project
For more than 20 years, the Rainforest Art Project has been inspiring and empowering students across the country through the transformative power of art. Its mission began in San Diego’s Barrio Logan neighborhood and has since expanded to reach communities nationwide. In Imperial County, the Rainforest Art Project has collaborated with schools and municipalities to create stunning works of art that celebrate their unique identities and enrich their communities. From the vibrant logo for the Brett Driscoll Sidewinder Skatepark to the iconic sign for the Jimmie Cannon Performing Arts Theater at Southwest High School, each of the Rainforest Art Project creations leaves a lasting legacy.
“Involving students in the creative process can be life-changing, as they discover their hidden talents and abilities,” said Dan Evers, founder and chief executive officer of the Rainforest Art Project. “It is the Rainforest Art Project’s goal to engage students in activities that ignite creativity and passion for learning.”
The Rainforest Art Project has teamed up with Oakley Elementary School’s afterschool program to create a stunning mosaic fountain. The students, led by Maria Marcial, are crafting this unique piece, which will be one of the highlights of the Autumn & the Arts live auction.
Debi Smerdon
A professional artist for 40 years, Debi Smerdon is the owner of DS Arts Studio & Gallery in Brawley. Her specialty is painting and art instruction. She believes that we are “created to create” and has made sharing art her life’s work. This year, she has created a one-of-a-kind ceramic textured Christmas tree, a unique piece that will also be available for bidding in the Autumn & the Arts live auction. “It is my pleasure to support Autumn & the Arts live auction,” Smerdon said. “I believe that giving students the opportunity to create art helps them have balance with all other subjects in life.”
Miriam Villarreal-Marcuson
Born and raised in Central Mexico, Miriam Villarreal-Marcuson attended college in Los Angeles and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Otis College of Art and Design. Passionate about fostering a love of learning art, she decided to become a teacher and has been teaching art at Wilson Junior High School for the past 10 years.
“Throughout my teaching career, I have been dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment that promotes student engagement and self-expression,” Villarreal-Marcuson said. “I strive to develop strong relationships with my students, fostering a supportive classroom community that encourages collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and respect. Receiving the award is a great honor to me,” she added. “I am very happy to know that my passion for teaching art has been noticed, and to be recognized as a “Champion for the Arts.” This award motivates me to continue to strive every day in my professional and personal life, as an artist and art educator.”
Villarreal-Marcuson’s talented young students at Wilson Junior High are busy creating beautiful ceramic vases that will be showcased and available for purchase during the fundraiser.
Chef Fernando Nuñez
For the past 17 years, Chef Fernando Nuñez has been inspiring and guiding students at Calexico High School’s Culinary Arts program. Known for his passion and dedication, Chef Nuñez emphasizes the importance of mastering techniques to succeed in the culinary industry. His students have honed their cooking and baking skills through hands-on experience, including catering events and real-world projects. As a testament to their talent, they were selected to showcase their culinary artistry and provide a delicious dessert for the Foundation’s Autumn & the Arts Fundraiser.
“I am proud of Calexico Unified School District and our Culinary Arts program. It is a great honor to teach and prepare students for college and career,” Nuñez said. “I always tell my students that the most important step in becoming a great success in today’s food industry is to master techniques. A great chef is first a great technician. As a culinarian, you must know the trade in your hand. You have to learn the process. You learn it through repetition until it belongs to you.”
“Our community is incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated Champions of the Arts,” said Dr. Todd Finnell, county Superintendent of Schools and president of the Foundation for Education. “We are proud to feature some of the individuals and organizations who work tirelessly to promote and nurture the arts in our community. Our Champions for the Arts have enriched the lives of countless students, and we are truly grateful for their passion and support.”
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Proceeds from the fundraiser will support the Foundation’s scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to some of Imperial County’s most vulnerable students, including those enrolled in alternative education schools, special education programs, or Imperial Pathways Charter School, ICOE’s drop-out recovery program for individuals 17 and over.
“Receiving this scholarship was important to me because it helped me regain the motivation to become academically prepared in life,” said Gadiel Cervantes, a 2024 Valley Academy School graduate who was awarded a Foundation for Education scholarship in the spring. “This scholarship has pushed me to work and study harder to become someone successful.”
In 2024, the Foundation awarded more than $18,000 in scholarships to 32 deserving local students. Since launching its scholarship program in 2019-2020, the Foundation for Education has steadily grown its impact, awarding nearly $60,000 in scholarships to local students over the past five years. In addition, thanks to generous donations, the Foundation for Education was able to establish two new annual academic events: the Imperial County Arts Festival, launched in 2023, and an E-Sports Competition, launched in 2024.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support the Foundation for Education has received. The fact that the event is already sold out is a testament to our community’s generosity,” added Dr. Todd Finnell. “We can’t wait to celebrate the arts and support local students together!”
Those unable to join the Autumn & the Arts fundraiser can still support Imperial County students. Browse the student artwork available in the Autumn & the Arts silent auction by visiting http://givebutter.com/aata, clicking “Auction,” and registering to bid. Bidding closes at 8 p.m. on Oct. 3. All proceeds from the silent auction will directly benefit these talented young artists.
For more information about the Foundation for Education and the Autumn & the Arts fundraiser, please visit foundation.icoe.org/fundraiser.