By Yvette Zarod Hermann | Arts Outreach Educator
Thank you again, supporters, for valuing the creativity of youth who have been marginalized. With your support, ArtForce Iowa is able to reach young people who have been labelled or stigmatized by oppressive systems with the healing power of art. In workshops, we mindfully foster healing-centered engagement and psychological safety, as shown by the insightful things youth say in workshops:
"I don't think I have a 'happy color' - I think my 'happy' is more calm than, like, happy."
"People calling me 'pretty' is a trigger for me. I've heard it over and over growing up, and it sets up a weird and unrealistic expectation for me."
"Sometimes I have bad thoughts. What do you do when you want bad thoughts to go away?"
"If I didn't make things with my hands, I think I would be a super-anxious person."
We at ArtForce Iowa are so grateful to provide opportunities for social emotional growth through art-making. And supporters like you make it happen! Because of the generosity of GlobalGiving donors, have provided 250 high-quality art supply kits and over 100 fun art-making workshops since March 17, 2021. (That's the day ArtForce Iowa went virtual to protect our neighbors from COVID-19.) Please feel the love and gratitude we are sending you!
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