// ANNUAL REPORT

Click here to view a digital version of our annual report.

WonderRoot was founded in 2004 in response to Atlanta's need for an organization that unites artists and community advocacy. We believe that artists have the potential to change the world. Musicians, photographers, writers, filmmakers, and artists of all other mediums have the ability to communicate globally moving freely through the barriers of language and geographical restraints. In a society that receives much of its information through the media, the most effective way to implement positive change is through using media resources. We are artists giving back to the community that has done so much to inspire us.

WonderRoot was founded in 2004 in response to Atlanta’s need for an organization that bridged the gap between art and community.  Co-founders and Atlanta natives, Chris Appleton, Alex West, and Witt Wisebram, felt inspired to give back to the community that had done so much to inspire them.  From 2004-2007, WonderRoot activities included primarily arts education projects in underfunded schools, as well as public art/beautification projects in the greater Atlanta area.  In December 2005, WonderRoot filed its application with the IRS for 501(c)(3) status, and in November of 2006 received notification that its application had been approved.  Immediately, WonderRoot assembled a Board of Directors and began raising funds to open up a community center to serve as a home base for socially conscious artists, a space where afterschool arts programs would be held, and a space where people could have access to art production facilities that otherwise would not have access to these types of resources.  During this period of planning and fundraising, WonderRoot continued to carry out service projects and on February 1, 2008 moved into what is now the WonderRoot Community Arts Center.  Since the doors opened on May 5, 2008, WonderRoot has hosted over 350 classes and workshops for youth and adults and over 400 music, literary, and visual arts events, and continues to expand its service programs in the Atlanta community.

WonderRoot has received a great number of accolades and awards for its accessible and community-focused programming.  In 2008, WonderRoot received an award from Atlanta Magazine as ‘Atlanta’s Best Place to Create Art and a Better World’.  WonderRoot received Creative Loafing’s ‘Best Advocate for the Arts’ Award in both 2008 and 2009.  Additionally in 2009, WonderRoot received awards from Creative Loafing for ‘Best Public Art Project’ and ‘Best Art Event’.  WonderRoot has been featured as a leading arts organization in a number of publications both local and national.

In just 25 months, over 1000 artists and youth have joined as members of the WonderRoot Community Arts Center.  Each month, over 400 people are through the center using the studios, participating in classes, and attending music/art events.  The WonderRoot Community Arts Center is an energized collective of artists and activists.  Outreach programming continues to grow to serve a diverse audience and address a variety of issues.  WonderRoot currently serves as a public art consultant to the BeltLine, works with underserved youth in a number of youth programs, and has established itself as a leading advocate for the arts in Atlanta.

Tina Arbes, Matt Arnett, Laura Clappier, Rebecca DeHart, Tim Goldsmith, Jimmy Hamilton, Carlton Mackey, Ashil Parag, Angel Poventud, Stefan Turkheimer, Joe Watkins, Alex West, and Catherine Woodling