YA Mourns the Passing of Teaching Artist Eloise Bruce

January 20, 2026

We mourn the passing of Eloise Bruce, a teaching artist, poet and theatre artist who has contributed her warm collaboration, love of the creative process, and belief in the wisdom of children while working with YA for many years. Eloise was a leader in professional development for fellow teaching artists and for school teachers, and a partner with Young Audiences staff, making it possible for students’ imaginations to be amplified, and for students to activate their own creativity in a supportive community. Guided by love, justice and community, Eloise improved the atmosphere in every room she entered. We are deeply grateful for Eloise’s many gifts and contributions, and we will miss her immensely.

Learn more about Eloise’s life in her obituary.

I Love You
By Eloise Bruce

We knew our blood would freeze

and we kept saying we loved

and the warm breaths and the soft sounds

seeped into the cracks around the words

until they became a destination

and we hung a hammock

between the I and the You

so we could rest.