Update from the Executive Director
|
Why Art and Why Now?
As the founder and Executive Director of Art with a Heart, I feel like the answer to the question of "Why Art and Why Now?," is in the core of my being and the reason for the work over the last 20 years. Art is the great equalizer...it
bridges divides, opens dialogues, and creates understanding. As a community and world, we must have all three to work towards diversity, access, equity, and inclusion. At Art with a Heart, we have the good fortune of witnessing the tapestry of humanity engaging in open dialogues, creating greater understanding and watching divisions disappear. The organization is uniquely positioned to move people - an experience with Art with a Heart is known to inspire, excite and provoke curiosity. The organization provides opportunities for diverse groups of people to gather, create, learn and grow. It is in the process of gathering, creating, learning and growing that change happens, minds are opened and community cohesiveness is formed.
So "Why Art and Why Now?"... because we are in a moment and in a movement and in the fight against intolerance, racism and injustice, art is essential in educating and elevating the collective community conscience.
Stay safe and well,
Randi 
|
| Happenings!! |
Art with a Heart's Community Art Camp Happening NOW!
During the month of July, join Art with a Heart for its four week Community Art Camp. Campers will work with Ali Mirsky, Art with a Heart's Director of Community Service and Public Art and her assistant, Madison Krchnavy on public art projects to be installed in the Baltimore community. Campers will receive guidance and instruction on the following skills: glass cutting, mosaics, grouting, ceramics, and glazing. Campers must be 13 years of age or older
and pre-registration is required. For more information, contact [email protected].
|
Community Service and Public Art
|
Two for Tuesday!
Art with a Heart is thrilled to welcome back volunteers on Tuesdays, in groups of two, for two hours of service. It is a joy having volunteers back in the office. Wearing masks and from a safe distance, volunteers are helping to create HeART Boxes for programming and are eager to finish a number of public art projects.
|
|
An Creative Expression of Gratitude.
On June 24th, Art with a Heart had its last Board meeting of the 2020 fiscal year. It was also the last Board meeting with Shelly Malis as the organization's Board President. Over the last two years, Shelly has shown steady leadership, generosity of time and resources, and community commitment. As a expression of appreciation, Ali Mirsky made Shelly a beautiful mosaic butterfly for her home garden. We look forward to continuing the work with Shelly and the other Board members and welcome with gratitude,
Craig Solomon, Art with a Heart's incoming Board President and new Board members,
Munir Bahar and
Winston Phillip.
|
|
Greenmount Students Continue the Good Work!
In February, the 7th grade class from
The Greenmount School came to Art with a Heart to launch the school's first community art internship. The collaboration for the internship included a partnership with
The William S. Baer School, with Greenmount and Baer students coming together to create a mosaic piece for the Baer School. Unfortunately, our time together was cut short. However, in an effort for the 7th grade class to continue their good work, 120 student-made ceramic tiles and all the necessary glazes were delivered to Greenmount students. From the safety of their homes, the students glazed all the tiles and they will now be fired! The work continues!!
|
Programming
|
HeART Boxes for Summer Fun!!
Art with a Heart staff and volunteers assembled 493 HeART Boxes to present to Baltimore City elementary and middle school students for summer fun. Each box contains four to eight weeks of projects and simple to follow directions in both Spanish and English for an exciting and self-guided art practice. Below, "graduating" students from
William Paca Elementary School show off their certificates and new HeART Boxes as they head into summer!
Art with a Heart is currently preparing another 507 HeART Boxes and virtual programming for seven different community partners. While the students will not be programming with us in person, they will have all the supplies needed for a hands-on, engaging and unique summer experience with Art with a Heart.
|
Art Mediums from the Pantry!
Art with a Heart enjoyed four weeks of programming with its Baltimore Autism Society students. The classes included a variety of mediums for students to explore including mandala-inspired creations using colored rice!
|
| Art of Leadership |
A Capstone Project with a Colorful Message!
This month, Art of Leadership students began work on their Capstone Public Art Project, a staircase mural with mosaic accents that will beautify the entrance to
The William S. Baer School.
(mock-up below). The Baer School is a Baltimore City Public School that serves medically fragile students with multiple disabilities.
In addition to starting the public art project, the Art of Leadership's June meeting focused on
Challenging Conversations, especially those discussing race and racism: how to start them, how to navigate them, and how to produce fruitful outcomes. Students examined strategies, acted out skits based on realistic scenarios, and shared their own experiences having tough conversations. As this program year nears its end, this session and topic also functioned as a review and fusion of all the practical knowledge, themes, and leadership skills gained during our time together.
|
| HeARTwares/HeARTworks |
|
A Virtual Space for the Maker Foundations!
The Enoch Pratt Free Library's Teen Center has gone virtual on
Discord, and so has all their summer programming, including Art with a Heart's Maker Foundations curriculum! Students have been learning how to create graphics and pixel art and basic circuitry using LED diodes and batteries! Check out their super cool light up name badges below!
Next month, Art with a Heart students will be coding playable games and 3D-printing objects. Stay tuned for pictures of the innovative creations these talented makers develop!
   |
|
Workforce Development Continues in all its Glory!
In June, Art with a Heart's workforce development team completed their first virtual eight week session with eighteen youth from
Youth Empowered Society. The youth enjoyed creating art, engaging in financial literacy workshops and participating in mock interviews. The HeARTworks team even continued the tradition of a graduation ceremony (albeit from afar) to recognize and honor the youth and their commitment to learning and growth. Many participants were employed halfway through the program at places like
Amazon,
Under Armour, Avenue Shop and Go, the
Mayor's Office of Employment Development,
Harvest Fare, and
The Choice Program.
|
|
|
|
|
