Painting class Opportunity

Art is not taught in schools as much anymore and there is no viable “positive” creative outlet for a vast number of young people. Theirs are the voices and visions stifled by the lack of direction and guidance, diverted to the destructive and unacceptable by the seeking of alternative means of expression and for too many through lack and disregard just silenced. Overlooked in this are the important benefits of the pursuing creative expression, from problem solving, communication skills, social skills etc. as well as the links between art and other areas (i. E. Math and science). Also lost is the sheer joy that comes from the creative act.

My goal is simply this, to open the hearts and minds of young people to their own unique creative possibilities, to give a positive vent to the voices and vision that exist in each and every one of them, to nurture and develop those and help them to discover their own paths.

I teach painting at Micheals Stores in Huntington Beach, Orange, Santa Ana, Buena Park and Aliso Viejo. I will be offering 4 week programs during the summer that will help address these needs. It is my intention to include a number of such young people into the summer classes as well into my regular classes beyond. As there are a number of Children who do not have the means nor support to avail themselves of this type of opportunity so it is my plan to seek “sponsorships” for those who could be positively affected by participating in such a program.

I put together a supply list containing more than what is actually needed, this being to provide the participants with something more they could take with them so that they could pursue painting further should they so desire.

The cost will be $200 per student which covers the class, material (and then some). The added Art Supplies are simply so the individuals will be able to also persue art outside of my classes and beyond as most also do not have the means of obtaining such things for themselves.

My Purpose

1. A long recognized developmental form of educational/social enrichment - artistic development and appreciation will be offered through "sponsorship" to those in need that would not otherwise be able to avail themselves of the opportunity.
2. The children involved will have yet another uplifting session of alternative expression to look forward to psychologically every single week. The art experience should last all week as children think about working on the projects, developing and integrating new ideas, and socially interacting with other like-minded enthusiasts.
3. The children will gain the extraordinary social lessons which come from creating something from literally nothing and then having that creation bring a smile or gesture of appreciation from someone else!
4. It is the hope that for some teens in the community whose approach to “art” takes the form of “tagging”/graffiti on walls, sidewalks, parks, utility poles etc., To be channeled from the unwanted anti-social behavior (unwanted graffiti) to other more acceptable forms of expression. Cities spend enormous sums of money policing and cleaning up this unwanted activity that is normatively viewed as vandalism. This will turn a “wrong” into a “right” and create a win-win situation in a municipality. Less cost for cleanup and juvenile enforcement, more value created through the inspiration of art which can bring happiness and promote positive sentiments toward an under served youth population.