Blog

2017 Crawford Prize Recipient

November 22, 2017  |  Crawford Prize

The National Recreation Foundation proudly presents Susan Teegen as this year’s Crawford Prize Recipient. Since 2003, the Crawford Prize recognizes a living person who has dedicated him or herself to enhancing recreation opportunities for youth. Each year, the Prize is awarded to an individual, whether professional or volunteer, who has made an extraordinary contribution in advancing recreation programs for at-risk youth. Susan truly embodies what the NRF looks for in a Crawford Prize recipient as a champion, supporter and influential educator for the youths she serves.

Susan has made empowering youth her life’s work. In addition to educating her work includes, counseling, mentoring, and advocating for social justice in response to issues such as poverty and racism. Through this work she has witnessed youth flourish when they were given opportunities to learn, explore and create. Susan’s graduate work at Princeton Theological Seminary focused on the intersection of art, healing and transformation. She completed her studies at the University of the Arts in painting and printmaking. Her experience working with youth and her understanding on the transformative power of art, culminated into an idea for a program.

In 2001, Susan founded ArtWell. Artwell’s mission is to support young people and their communities through arts education and creative reflection to discover strengths, face challenges and awaken dreams. Since it’s inception Artwell has partnered with over 400 private, public and charter schools, as well as, faith-based and community organizations to connect with over 35,000 youth in the greater Philadelphia area. Artwell’s art education programs utilize art as a tool for deep reflection, enhancing communication and academic achievement. ArtWell transforms the lives of young people facing discrimination, poverty, violence and everyday challenges. Susan has proved her proficiency in developing partnerships and encouraging community support through connections with local artists, schools,educators and education systems to engage students and their communities.

The National Recreation Foundation is honored to present this award to a very deserving recipient. Join us in congratulating our 2017 Crawford Prize winner, Susan Teegen.