Friends of BTS Arts
Friends of BTS Arts was created with one clear goal: to advocate for the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program (BTS Arts) and ensure that every elementary student in Utah has access to an arts-integrated education.
BTS Arts is primarily funded by the Utah Legislature through a dedicated line item in the state budget with additional support from participating school districts and Sorenson organizations.
As a grassroots advocacy organization, Friends of BTS Arts amplifies the voices of families, educators, and communities who know firsthand the value of the arts in learning. We invite you to join us in sharing the impact the arts have had on your child and helping us protect and strengthen this vital program for future generations.
BTS Arts Program History
Throughout her life, Beverley Taylor Sorenson (1924–2013) was a tireless champion for the arts. She began developing an integrated arts teaching model in 1995 by collaborating with arts education professionals, state organizations, and higher education institutions throughout Utah. In 2008, the Utah State Legislature adopted the model, named it the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program in Beverley’s honor, and has since provided the funding needed to place the program in a portion of elementary schools across the state. Right up until her passing at the age of 89, Beverley was a fixture at Capitol Hill, and she committed her time and efforts to lobbying the legislature for more funding to ensure that every elementary child in Utah receives the benefits of an arts-rich education through this program.
To develop a strong and lasting foundation, Beverley and the Sorenson Legacy Foundation have committed more than $50 million to the program, including establishing higher education programs at Brigham Young University, Southern Utah University, the University of Utah, Utah State University and Westminster College to train those who teach art to elementary school children.
Bring BTS Arts to Your School
The BTS Arts Program continues to grow thanks to the Utah Legislature’s ongoing support and the dedication of educators, parents, and community partners who believe in the power of the arts. Together, we’re working to ensure every Utah elementary student has the opportunity to experience arts-integrated learning in their classroom.
For more information on how to get the BTS Arts Program in your elementary school, email info@artworksforkids.org.
Advocacy Leadership
James Lee Sorenson
A world-renowned entrepreneur, leader and innovator, James Lee Sorenson has built successful companies in industries ranging from technology and life sciences to real estate and investment. Jim enjoys combining innovative ideas with talented management teams to produce new enterprises. Jim has helped establish impactful programs that improve lives, build regional communities and train future leaders. Jim also works with charitable enterprises that lift and empower people to become self-sufficient.
Jim has served on community service boards including Mission Markets, University Venture Fund, Art Works for Kids, Gallaudet University, the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business, and the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development.
Joan Fenton
Joan Sorenson Fenton is a philanthropist and humanitarian who serves as President and Chairperson the Sorenson Legacy Foundation. She has spent over 10 years as a director of the Foundation, which provides support for childhood education enhancement in schools, arts education training programs, STEM education initiatives in public schools and universities, funding for disadvantaged or abused children and women, funding for major artistic non profit institutions such as the Utah Symphony and Opera and the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and more. Joan is passionate about nurturing children—a vision she inherited from her mother, the late Foundation co-founder Beverley Taylor Sorenson.
Joe Sorenson
Joseph Taylor Sorenson is the founder and CEO of Endeavor Capital Group. He has served as a board member of the Sorenson Legacy Foundation for more than 15 years, where he has helped support a wide range of philanthropic and humanitarian endeavors at the local, national and international level.
Joe has played a vital leadership role in other companies, including serving as president of the healthcare research company Sorex Medical and leading the development of cosmetic and nutritional products for Sorenco Laboratories.
Lisa Cluff
Lisa Cluff is the executive director of Friends of BTS Arts, a 501(c)(4) organization established in 2008 to support the BTS Arts program and ensure that community voices are heard, advocating for the arts and arts education across Utah.
Lisa is passionate about arts and education and has witnessed firsthand the positive impact the arts have on students. She continues to honor Beverley's legacy by working tirelessly to support arts education, ensuring that every child in Utah has access to a vibrant and supportive arts learning environment. She is a respected leader in arts education in Utah.