City Club Tacoma’s Aug. 20 lunch program will shine a spotlight on the community collaborations and partnerships that are working to expand and enhance student programming in the 14-year-old Hilltop Artists in Residence Tacoma (HART), a program of the Tacoma Public Schools.

HART Executive Director Kit Evans will be joined by Marcus Martinez, a HART artist and recent Wilson High School graduate who will share how the program changed his life for the better. He is now a teaching assistant for HART, and his work is in the current special exhibition at Tacoma’s Vetri International Glass.

HART was created by Kathy Kaperick with Dale Chihuly to provide a daily program of arts instruction, academics, tutoring support, and mentoring. The program started in 1994 with 15 students creating sculptures, silk screens, and fused glass art. A glassblowing component was added soon after. Over time, the program has gained a reputation for neutrality and success with disadvantaged youth. As a result, the organization has received state and national recognition for its innovative educational programming.

The public is invited to City Club’s lunchon Aug. 20 at the Landmark Convention Center, 47 St. Helens Ave. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Lunch begins at noon. The program runs from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Cost is $23 for members, $30 for guests. Advance reservations are required by Aug. 18, and can be made by calling (253) 272-9561 or visiting http://www.cityclubtacoma.org .

Founded in 1984, City Club of Tacoma is a nonprofit membership organization that brings people together to explore issues and ideas affecting the South Sound community. Membership is open to anyone seeking to share ideas and listen to others’ views.