By Janice Podsada

EVERETT — Hey kids! Pick up your feet or pick up a paint brush at Mari’s Place for the Arts.

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14 throughout Snohomish County.

“This is a place where children can generate, for themselves, the confidence to be anything they want to be in life,” said Mary Toews, the group’s executive director and founder.

Last year, Mari’s Place served more than 1,000 children. Classes are held after school at local schools and community centers.

Sharing the arts and fostering creativity is the nonprofit’s mission, but the group’s real aim is helping kids build confidence, “so they can create a better future,” Toews said.

“This is my passion to help them do what they want to do,” she said.

The nonprofit operates out of a cozy space at 2321 Hoyt Ave in Everett.

Framed children’s paintings adorn the small center. A ballet barre extends the length of one wall, providing balance and support for young dancers.

On a recent afternoon, Devani Garcia, 14, recalled her first visit to Mari’s Place.

“I didn’t want to come here,” Devani said. “I felt like I wasn’t good enough, like I couldn’t do anything, but Mary reassured me that I could do it.”

That was eight years ago. Today, Devani dances, paints and plays the piano and drums. She also gives back — teaching after-school dance classes at Stevens Creek Elementary School in Lake Stevens and Emerson Elementary School in Everett.

Toews is thrilled.

“You made this happen,” she told Devani. “You’re going to be a very successful young lady and you’re only 14!”

Toews, 64, was born in Mexico. She was a kindergarten teacher before earning degrees in business and international law.

While visiting the United States in 1986, Toews met Brian Toews, who was serving in the Navy. The couple married and moved to the Pacific Northwest.

The inspiration for Mari’s Place began when her son, also named Brian, developed an interest in the arts.

“Everything started with him,” Toews said.

After he left for college in 2011, she mulled opening “a little place to teach art, painting, dance and maybe charge $5,” she recalled.

At the time, there weren’t any affordable programs offering cultural enrichment classes to low-income families, she said.

Toews used her own funds to launch her dream.

“I didn’t have any money, so I went to my hometown in Mexico and sold my house, my land, my car,” she said. “Every single peso I received, I invested in this.”

In 2011, she founded Mari’s Place as a resource for low-income and culturally diverse families.

She recruited a handful of volunteers and five students.

Today, hundreds sign up for classes that are offered every quarter.

Mari’s Place is funded solely by donations, fundraisers and grants:“100% of donations goes to the kids,” she said

Toews’ wish list is simple: “Spread the word that we’re here and classes are free,” she said. “We ask for a donation for our classes, but if students can’t afford it, we have scholarships.”

She and her staff of volunteers hope to continue serving the community and children.

“No complaining about being poor or not having this or that,” Toews said. “You can learn to dance, paint to perform, here. Your life is in front of you, so go get it!”

Janice Podsada is a freelance writer and former employee of the Everett Herald.

Mari’s Place for the Arts: 2321 Hoyt Ave., Everett

Phone: 425-330-4425

Email: programs@marisplaceforthearts.org

Website: marisplaceforthearts.org