John Lithgow in ‘Art Happens Here’ This April on PBS: Transforming Lives Through Arts Education

Actor, author, and performer John Lithgow will be sharing his passion for arts education in a new PBS special titled “Art Happens Here with John Lithgow.” The one-hour special follows Lithgow as he joins students and teachers at four Los Angeles organizations to explore different arts disciplines including dance, ceramics, silk-screen printing, and vocal jazz ensemble.

Lithgow’s goal is to celebrate how arts education nurtures and inspires students of all ages. He visits organizations such as Self Help Graphics & Art, the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge, and the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) to witness firsthand the transformative power of art in young people’s lives.

Throughout the special, Lithgow emphasizes the importance of arts education in providing emotional and social development for children. He believes that it goes beyond academic subjects and helps students develop discipline, patience, empathy, and a sense of self. Lithgow himself was inspired by his public school art teachers who instilled in him confidence and curiosity.

The special showcases Lithgow trying his hand at various artistic endeavors alongside young artists. From creating pottery to collaborating on silk-screen prints to learning new dance techniques and performing with a jazz vocal ensemble, Lithgow immerses himself in the world of art.

“Art Happens Here with John Lithgow” premieres on Friday, April 26th on PBS. It will also be available for streaming on PBS.org and the PBS App. The program is produced by PBS SoCal in association with other production companies. Major funding for the special was provided by John and Louise Bryson with additional funding from the California Community Foundation.