Update from the Executive Director |
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With the holiday season in full swing, I must say I am really missing the human interaction of our programs. The pandemic has created an undeniable void for all of us including those who we would see on a regular basis...children in classrooms who would delight with each new artistic skill mastered, weekly volunteers who gathered as family and shared life's joys and sorrows, Art of Leadership students who grew together to form a community, and youth who would proudly launch into the workforce after six weeks of job skills training. We miss all of them and the unparalleled energy that came with these connections.
And yet, here we are, almost nine months into this pandemic with no choice but to keep moving forward and to find connections in ways never before imagined. Volunteers continue to offer countless hours of support and students of all ages are filled with joy upon receiving their supply HeART Boxes and logging on to see the familiar and caring faces of their teachers. Art of Leadership students are spending time together both outdoors and virtually and HeARTworks students connect in their virtual classrooms and embrace the structure, continuity and content of their new platform.
Until we can once again experience the hum of the Art with a Heart space filled with students, volunteers and staff, the organization is continuing to teach, inspire and connect. We continue to support those who are struggling, and we continue to provide meaningful connections through powerful visual art experiences, classes, and programs. As you read through the November newsletter, you will see and feel these creative connections and I hope they bring you a sense of comfort and hope during this holiday season.
Wishing you continued good health,
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Meaningful Shopping Made Easy! |
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New products continue to fill the shelves in HeARTwares as well as the online store. The "Inspire" artwork was designed by Ross, an 18 year old student in Art with a Heart's YouthWorks program. Students in Art with a Heart's virtual YouthWorks program learned graphic design, 3D modeling skills for digital fabrication, and web development. Shop today! Our online store makes it easy and contactless.
From November 7th through December 19th, HeARTwares will be open for in-person shopping on Saturdays from 12-4 pm. All COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed (masks required, temperatures taken, and social distancing observed).
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Art of Leadership Recruiting the 7th Cohort!!!
The application for the 7th Cohort of the Art of Leadership Program is now open. Current 9th and 10th grade students with an interest in developing leadership and advocacy skills, exploring social justice issues, and creating a community with a diverse group of peers are eligible to apply. The application deadline is March 19, 2021. Click here for the application!
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SOS: Youth Employment, Safety, and Power
Join Christina Ralls and Klause Ferrell on December 3rd at 12:00pm as they speak on a panel about "Youth Employment, Safety, and Power Amidst COVID-19 and Racism" as part of The Associated Black Charities' 8th installment of their "S.O.S." webinar series.
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Mountains of Recycled Paper
This month, scholars in Art with a Heart's virtual classes at Lillie May Carroll Jackson focused on collage. In addition to the colored and patterned paper provided in their monthly HeART Box, students learned to utilize paper found in their home to add visual texture and design.
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Love of the Arts at Lakeview
Residents in Art with a Heart classes at Lakeview and Bel Park Towers explored different mediums this month. Using burlap, cotton, and silk leaves and flowers, residents created unique pumpkin centerpieces for their apartments. This month, residents also also explored the mixed media work of artist Shinque Smith. Using patterned paper and paint, these colorful compositions capture movement and rhythm that is as unique as the community creating them!
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Communication in Action
Students in Art with a Heart's program in collaboration with Keys Development learned about gestures as non-verbal forms of communication. To bring this concept to life, students created their own gesture sculptures using rigid wrap. Once their sculptures dried, students used paint to add color, expression, and detail.
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Community Service and Public Art |
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Bayhawk Wings Take Flight!
Art with a Heart installed a Bayhawk Wings mosaic at Benjamin Franklin High School. While students are not in school at this time, the principal and staff were present for the install and were overjoyed by the impact and beauty of the project. Most of this mosaic was completed during the pandemic with volunteers picking up the supplies and working on the feathers from the safety of their homes. In July, a small number of middle and high school students joined Art with a Heart for a one month community art camp and more of the wings were completed. Gradually, after eight months and 80 volunteers of all ages, the wings were finished.
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Our Heart Continues to Grow!
In November, Art with a Heart was fortunate to have 40 volunteers help prepare for classes and advance the organization's public art projects. In addition, the organization was fortunate to have SOURCE and other individuals participate in safe, socially distanced service opportunities.
The Heart of Baltimore project has engaged over 600 volunteers who have (mostly from the comfort and safety of their homes) produced over 1200 ceramic hearts, all of which will be added to the sculpture.
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Banners and Bonding
This month, facilitators from the Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School joined the Art of Leadership team on Zoom for a dynamic session focused on building group relationships. In addition, leaders continued to build their communication skills and team connection through mindful journaling and honest discussions about their values, challenges, and personal identities.
Art of Leadership students also gathered in small groups to work on a public art project in collaboration with Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore. Students painted a banner that will be placed on the south side of Rash Field at the Inner Harbor.
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Leadership Alumni Continue to Thrive
Through the Art of Leadership, Art with a Heart has met and worked with some of the most extraordinary young people. Despite these challenging times, the alumni of the program remain focused on their personal growth and well-being, their advocacy and civic participation, and continue to make the Art with a Heart team proud. Take a look at the Art of Leadership Alumni Newsletter...it will leave you feeling...HOPEFUL!
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Learning New Skills while Creating Art
This fall, HeARTworks is hosting a paid apprenticeship program for a small number of program graduates. Apprentices are assembling kits for online orders, creating new products (like these adorable cork mouse ornaments) , and fulfilling special orders.
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3000 Falls Road | Mill No. 1 | Baltimore, MD 21211
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