United South End Settlements and the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children opened a new Bright Space art studio at the organization's headquarters at 48 Rutland St. on March 23.

The space is part of the Bright Horizons Foundation's Bright Spaces program, which creates dedicated play and learning environments for children served by nonprofit organizations. The foundation has created more than 300 Bright Spaces across the United States, according to the organizations.

The new space restores the historic Children's Art Centre at United South End Settlements, which had been unused for several years. The renovated area includes an open art studio designed for creative activities and storage for children's art projects.

The Bright Space was created in honor of Dr. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, a former Bright Horizons board member who selected United South End Settlements for the project after raising her children in the South End and serving on the organization's board from 1975 to 1978.

United South End Settlements serves more than 350 families each year through early education and family support programs.

Source: United South End Settlements press release.