Express Yourself! Girl PowHer Introduces New Art Program

There is no doubt that art has its benefits for children and adults of all ages, because it provides a way to think outside of the box, to find meaning beyond the surface, and to celebrate multiple perspectives. Art helps us to say what cannot be said and is proven tool for stress relief and personal reflection. I don’t know about you, but I can think of a place that could really use these perks. A place crammed with peer pressure, self discovery, and power-struggles, where drama dominates and hormones rage. A little place called Middle School.

That is why The Youth Foundation has added a new art class to our Girl PowHER curriculum this fall. Every Thursday, I walk ten girls from Berry Creek Middle School up to the Eagle County Charter School where we are greeted by their teacher, Lara Large. Lara is a full time teacher at ECCA and has recently joined The Youth Foundation team, teaching art to elementary school students during PwrHrs, in addition to the lucky girls for BCMS. Lara has done a wonderful job designing a 7-week curriculum that caters to some of the struggles girls may face in middle school. “I love doing art with middle school kids,” she says. “They are so capable working with all kinds of media and techniques, and also of taking abstract ideas and creating expressive artwork. It's great to work with girls because we can work with topics and concepts that embrace femininity and identity without the pressure of the presence of the ‘other’ gender.”

For example, last week, we used photography to depict some of the stereotypes that middle school girls face on a daily basis. By using digital cameras, eclectic wardrobes, and an online photo editor called Picnik, the girls came up some amazing finished projects. With titles such as “We Are Who We Are” and “Losers,” it has become clear that these girls have a lot to say and that art may just be the expression they need. Lara agrees, “Art fosters confidence and self esteem for many kids who have challenges academically and socially, and is generally a great outlet for self expression and fun!”

The Girl PowHER artists work will be on display at the Alpine Arts Center in Edwards November 23 through the 27^th. If you would like to meet the artists themselves, don’t forget to mark your calendars and join us for the release party on November 27^th from 5-7pm!

Maggie Jackson, AmeriCorps' Coach Across America