Workshops.
Mentoring.
Collaboration.
Sparking young people to realize their creative power through immersive learning experiences.
Our Founder
The N M BODECKER CREATIVE FOUNDATION (“The Foundation”) was established in 2017 by Sandy Bodecker, Nike’s legendary VP of Special Projects, and interdisciplinary artist and survived partner Tanya Cerda as a tribute to Sandy’s father, the award-winning author and illustrator N.M. Bodecker, who instilled a love and appreciation of the arts in Sandy and his two brothers. Sandy’s chosen career path and significant professional accomplishments were directly impacted by his father’s support, encouragement, and artistic influence. Inspired by this profound legacy, the Foundation’s workshop, mentoring, and scholarship programs are designed to spark young people to realize their creative power through immersive learning experiences.
Our Spark
Sandy Bodecker’s father was the award-winning illustrator, author, and poet N.M. Bodecker (the “N.M.” stands for Niels Mogens, though when asked he would say it stood for “Nothing Much” or “Never Mind.”) Born in Copenhagen, N.M. emigrated to the United States after World War II. His work was widely published, ranging from Edward Eager’s Tales of Magic to the writings of Charles Dickens, as well as Harper’s Magazine, The Saturday Evening Post, Esquire, and The New York Times. His extensive portfolio is housed at the Kerlan Collection. N.M. Bodecker’s creative legacy served as a profound inspiration for Sandy and his brothers, instilling in them a passion for creativity and artistic expression. N.M.’s influence acted as a central driving force in Sandy’s career. In honor of this legacy, Co-founder/Trustee Tanya Cerda and The Foundation aims to spark young people’s creative power, mirroring the profound impact N.M. had on Sandy’s own creative journey.
Workshops
We want all students to find out what creativity is to them. So, we partner with professional artists, writers, musicians, and educators to lead 1-to-5-day immersive experiences for high school students. Threaded throughout is an interdisciplinary practice that encourages collaboration and inclusivity.
Cohorts
Practice makes (nearly) perfect. Our Skill building cohorts offer students long-term mentorship in visual arts, creative writing, and audio engineering. Over the course of 8 months, students meet bi-monthly to build confidence, foster “cross-school” connections, and provide students with a sense of belonging to a broader creative community.
Scholarships
Education Promotes Growth and Opportunity and has the power to change lives. The Bodecker Foundation offers scholarships to Oregon high school seniors who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in art, design, music, or other creative disciplines at an accredited post-secondary college or university in the United States.
Our Mission
to spark young people to realize their creative power through immersive learning experiences.
Vision
A community of young creatives empowered and unleashed.
Motto
Creative.
Collaborative.
Community.
Values
I. C. R. E. A. T. E.
I – Innovation
C – Curiosity
R – Respect
E – Exploration
A – Access
T – Trust
E – Equity
Principles
01
Education Promotes Growth & Opportunity
02
Culture Empowers Creativity
03
Practice Makes (Nearly) Perfect
04
Communication Is Key to Success
05
Representation Matters
06
Collaboration Keeps It Fun
07
Creativity
Is…
Practices
Jul
15th
Shoot from the Hip (Pocket). iPhone Filmmaking with Mark Palansky.
Jul
29th
Shoot from the Hip (Pocket). iPhone Filmmaking with Mark Palansky.
Aug
5th
Songwriting and Demoing with Lizzy Ellison.
Say Hello
Equity Statement
Representation Matters. BODECKER FOUNDATION believes in the dignity and intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome and prioritize the participation of Black, Brown, Indigenous and people with disabilities and all intersections therein. No matter where you are from, Bodecker Foundation is dedicated to creating a place where all people can be sparked to realize their creative power.
