Encouraging a shy student to come out of their shell can be a long journey. Maybe a smile cracks one day, then a short answer spills out here and there. Finally, the dam bursts open and the words start pouring out. This is what ARTogether’s new program is all about.
In March, ARTogether partnered with the Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (CERI) to create our weekly Expressive Art Class for Children workshop. The workshop creates a positive space for students to express their feelings through art and receive thoughtful encouragement. ARTogether’s Project Assistant Polina Marso is joined by CERI Interns, Olivia Baker and Azzam Talhami, in welcoming and teaching the students weekly.
When asked about the power of art counseling, Polina said, “When you are doing art, you are actually letting go, you are not thinking about all your issues or all the things you need to do. You are in the moment and you are focused on right now. Which is a technique they use to fight anxiety: coming back to your body and the moment.”
This therapeutic nature of art-making combines with the self-reflective exercises that the team is using to help youth express themselves. During one exercise, the students created a vision board full of things that inspire them. The exercise was a window into the students’ emotions as some drew their parents, what they aspire to be, and things that comfort them.
“I think art is such a powerful way for kids to express themselves. I’ve worked with kids for a long time and some of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had have centered around art,” Olivia said.
“We want the workshop to be a source of fun, unconditional positivity, and explore any area that needs further support.” Azzam added.
As many parents and teachers have learned in the last year, connecting with students online can be challenging. But already there are little victories: getting that student to turn on their camera or hearing them share a little more about how they are feeling. And every victory makes all the effort worth it. Hearing the parents’ enthusiasm for the work we are doing inspires us further:
“My kids enjoy the art class a lot! They count the days every week to see how much is left for the art class to start. The creative ideas the workshop has given to them has helped us as a stress coping mechanism in those hard times. We appreciate it. Thank you!” said Noor, parent of two workshops students.
