July 2019

Christina Ralls: A Panelist with Workforce Development Experts 

At the National Conference on Ending Homelessness, Christina Ralls, Art with a Heart's Director of Workforce Development and Social Enterprise, was invited  to participate on a panel of experts from across the country to discuss best workforce development practices for youth experiencing homelessness. Christina specifically spoke about the benefits of using a social enterprise model in building self-confidence, encouraging communication and problem solving skills, and helping youth access career pathways.  

Summertime and HeARTworks Students are Shining Bright 

Art with a Heart's summer HeARTworks program participants have been busy!!! This summer the program has 84 participants from 10 different community partners. The youth have been  journalling each day, creating products, learning new job skills, practicing mindfulness and forming meaningful friendships. Highlights include: student-led MissionFit workshops in mindfulness, yoga, and fitness; a booth at the Artscape Youth Arts Market; a display of their mosaic pieces a t  Andamento Studio & Gallery ( 3406 Chestnut Ave.) on August 2nd from 6:00pm to 9:00pm;  and of course, Shop and Bop on September 13th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm! Hope to see you on August 2nd and September 13th. 

It is fitting that the Enoch Pratt Children's Library now has a new, beautiful Art with a Heart mosaic that can stimulate children to explore an undersea world while the books that fill the shelves can take them everywhere. A inspiring and vibrant addition for a place of exploration, imagination and fantasy. The 17'x13' mural was completed over the course of five months by 400 volunteers including: Enoch Pratt library patrons, its staff, and Board members as well as diverse groups of Art with a Heart volunteers, students, staff and community members. A total of 45,000 pieces of hand cut glass from 65 different varieties were incorporated into the mosaic. The installation took seven days with a crew of 10 volunteers and four installers. A true labor of love. Everyone at Art with a Heart is honored to have participated in the renovation of this historic and important Baltimore landmark. (Mermaid tail above the door coming soon...preview is below!!)

Art with a Heart is grateful for the time and talent of the following volunteers during the month of July: Bmore Engaged, Bridges at Gilman School, T. Rowe Price, Next One Up, Constellation, The Agora Companies Interns, Glen Mar Church, and Hello DC!

A GREAT Summer with SUPERKids

Art with a Heart had a great time with A LOT of really super kids! Over 80 students at Friends School of Baltimore and over 100 students at Fort Worthington Elementary Middle School participated in Art with a Heart's summer mural and ceramic programs. The SuperKids Camp, sponsored by the Parks and People Foundation, combines engaging summer enrichment with environmental literacy. The Art with a Heart workshops paired an innovative art curriculum with outdoor meditation, observational drawing, and student-led discussions about environmental issues. Student drawings were incorporated into a 15 panel mural design. The panels will be installed at each school as well as the Parks and People foundation office. Stay tuned for photos of the completed installation.

Around the World in Four Weeks!

Students in Art with a Heart's summer program at the Judy Center at Eutaw-Marshburn Elementary School created passports at the start of their four week, "Around the World Art Series." Each week, students learned about and created artwork based on a new country and culture. A the conclusion of the weekly "trip," each student got a stamp in their passport! Projects in this multi-cultural program included maracas, rainsticks, paintings of Indian elephants, and Egyptian jewelry! And, let's not forget the self portraits for the passports!

Children Blooming at the House of Ruth

This month, over 20 children in Art with a Heart classes at the House of Ruth learned about artist Georgia O'Keefe  and practiced drawing flowers inspired by her work. After drawing their flowers and petal patterns in oil pastel, students practiced watercolor resist painting with liquid watercolors to create colorful and vibrant flowers.

Where the Wild Things Art!

On July 25th, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore members and enthusiasts participated in a string art fundraiser. Participants started the workshop with light refreshments and a visit from Olive, the African penguin, a very special zoo ambassador! After a quick demonstration and some color-theory for inspiration, participants enthusiastically created their own personal string art - either an elephant, a giraffe, or a flamingo!

 

Small but Mighty Fun Prom

The first inaugural Art of Leadership Prom was a great success! Thanks to Jonathan, one of the 4th cohort's fearless leaders who put his skills to work and planned this fun event. 

   

Creative Social Activists Who Brunch!

Such a treat! On July 21st, Art with a Heart Impressionists were joined by the High Noon Society for an afternoon of camaraderie, community building and a really yummy brunch! While breaking bread, guests enjoyed learning more about Art with a Heart and about each other. It was a wonderful afternoon of collaboration and community. 

A Mosaic Quilt Comes Together

Art with a Heart Impressionists spent their monthly night of service grouting a mosaic quilt for Kennedy Krieger's Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress. The mosaic was created by the Center's staff, administration, p atients, parents, and  Art with a Heart volunteers. This meaningful mosaic will be installed in August in the Center's front lobby. Stay tuned for pictures of the completed installation. To learn more about Art with a Heart's Junior Board, The Impressionists, contact Yolanda Jenkins at yolanda@artwithaheart.net.