In The News

A program with NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale and Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County will transform young artists’ original creations into one-of-a-kind puzzles and a special exhibition

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — September 1, 2026 — The Leo Goodwin Foundation is proud to sponsor Ink & Imagination, a transformative arts and literacy experience bringing together NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County to inspire creativity, confidence and self-expression among local youth.

On Monday, September 21, 2026, 20 Boys & Girls Clubs members, ages 8–11, will begin their creative journey with a guided visit to NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale. Through exploration of the Museum’s galleries and exhibitions, the children will encounter diverse art, ideas and perspectives while learning about the principles of design and elements of art.

The experience is designed to do more than introduce children to art. Through guided discussion and literacy activities, participants will be encouraged to look closely, ask questions, communicate their ideas and discover how artists use creativity to express their individual perspectives.

Following their museum experience, the children will return to the Club and become artists themselves, creating original works inspired by something they discovered at the Museum or by something that simply brings them happiness and joy.

Each child’s finished artwork will then be professionally reproduced as a custom 300-piece puzzle, transforming their original creation into an interactive keepsake that reinforces the educational experience in an entirely new way. As the children assemble puzzles created from their own artwork, they will exercise visual discrimination, spatial reasoning, persistence and problem-solving skills while experiencing the pride and sense of ownership that comes from interacting with something uniquely their own.

The program will culminate in a special exhibition celebrating the young artists and their work. Original artwork will be displayed alongside the corresponding custom puzzles, giving families, friends and members of the community an opportunity to recognize the creativity and accomplishments of each participant.

Ink & Imagination was created and developed by Marilyn Perlyn, whose more than four decades of work with children have focused on creating opportunities that encourage learning, creativity and giving back. Previously presented at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, the program builds on Perlyn’s belief in the power of art and imagination to help children discover their own voices and recognize the value of their ideas.

“For me, Ink & Imagination is about giving children the opportunity to discover the value of their own ideas and imagination,” said Perlyn. “When a child creates something that is uniquely theirs and then sees it transformed into something they can hold, assemble and share, it builds a wonderful sense of pride and confidence. We want every child who participates to come away knowing that their creativity matters.”

“A child’s imagination can open doors to possibilities they may never have considered before,” said Alan Goldberg, President and Trustee of the Leo Goodwin Foundation. “Ink & Imagination gives these young people the opportunity not only to experience art, but to discover that their own ideas and creativity have value. Seeing something they created transformed into a puzzle and ultimately displayed for their families and community sends a powerful message: Your ideas matter. Your creativity matters. You matter. We are extremely proud to help make that experience possible.”

By combining art appreciation, literacy, hands-on creation and problem solving, Ink & Imagination is designed to build confidence while encouraging curiosity and a lifelong appreciation for creative expression.

For the Leo Goodwin Foundation, supporting the program reflects its longstanding commitment to creating opportunities that enrich the lives of children and strengthen the South Florida community.

ABOUT THE LEO GOODWIN FOUNDATION

The Leo Goodwin Foundation, a charitable foundation based in Broward County, was established by Leo Goodwin Sr. and Leo Goodwin Jr., whose family founded GEICO Insurance Company. Guided by a mission to improve the lives of those who call the community home, the Foundation began its work by supporting some of Broward County’s youngest and most vulnerable residents.

Early investments supported organizations including Kids In Distress, Boys & Girls Clubs, PACE Center for Girls and SOS Children’s Villages, establishing a commitment to children and families that continues today.

Recognizing the transformative power of education, the Foundation has also made a significant and longstanding commitment to Nova Southeastern University, where the Goodwin name can be found throughout the Davie campus. The Foundation also funds and distributes scholarships each year to deserving students at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law and Broward College.

The Foundation’s impact extends throughout the community, supporting organizations addressing critical needs including Henderson Behavioral Health and Broward Partnership, as well as organizations that enrich the community through arts, culture and discovery, including the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science and Young At Art Museum.

Through these and many other investments, the Leo Goodwin Foundation continues the Goodwin family’s legacy of giving back and creating opportunities that strengthen the entire community. Its philosophy is captured in the Foundation’s positioning line: “By Doing Good, We All Win.”

To learn more about the Leo Goodwin Foundation, please visit leogoodwinfoundation.org or call 754.772.6863.

ABOUT MARILYN PERLYN

Marilyn Perlyn is the creator of Ink & Imagination, an arts and literacy program inspired by more than four decades of work creating opportunities for children to learn, imagine and give back. Her nonprofit initiatives have primarily focused on enriching the lives of children in underserved communities in the United States and around the world.

Perlyn is the author of the award-winning children’s book The Biggest and Brightest Light: The Magic of Helping Others, illustrated by her daughter, Amanda Perlyn Jackson, with a foreword by Muhammad Ali. She also created The OCHO Project, Opportunities for Children to Help Others, which combined literacy and service by providing books to students at Title I schools while giving those students an opportunity to share books with children in communities around the world.

Ink & Imagination, previously presented at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, continues that commitment by bringing together art, literacy and hands-on creativity to help children discover their own voices, build confidence and experience the pride that comes from creating something uniquely their own.

Throughout her work, Perlyn has remained committed to a simple idea: when children are given opportunities to learn, create and help others, they begin to recognize the value of their own ideas and their ability to make a meaningful difference.

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF BROWARD COUNTY

For generations, Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County (BGCBC) have provided a safe, positive and empowering environment where young people can learn, grow and reach their full potential. Through programs focused on academic success, character and leadership development, healthy lifestyles, the arts and career readiness, BGCBC helps equip young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to build successful futures.

By connecting youth with caring mentors, meaningful experiences and a strong sense of community, Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families throughout Broward County.

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, please visit bgcbc.org or call 954.537.1010.