Creative Solutions is an arts-as-workforce intervention program for youth who have encountered the justice system. North Lake Campus hosted a gallery exhibition and performance on August 1 – 3.
Dahlia Horne, the instructor with the Creative Solutions program, highlights the positive outcomes of engaging youth in art.
“Despite initial struggles, many participants overcame their challenges and produced impressive artwork,” Horne said. “It proves that they can achieve anything with dedication and perseverance.”
Horne said the kids worked really hard.
“Even though it was tough at first, the kids kept trying and made great art,” she said. “It shows they can do anything if they work hard.”
The program keeps young people 13 to 17 busy and out of trouble while they learn art. At the end, they get to show their art in a special event.
The Creative Solutions program operates during the summer and serves as a probationary and referral-based initiative, she said.
With 15 student artists working under the guidance of four teachers, the program successfully resulted in a vibrant showcase of student art.
Multidisciplinary visual artist Fernanda Cavalcanta has worked with the program for two years. She uses her passion for art as a tool for personal growth and emotional expression with the young participants.
Cavalcanta introduced the students to various media, emphasizing the use of sustainable materials such as cardboard and exploring techniques like spray painting. One project required the students to make a box to show things they wanted to leave behind and an airplane to show their dreams for the future.
“I’m here to make sure they understand nothing’s perfect. Everything’s fixable. In everything there’s a solution. The only thing that we don’t have a solution to, is life. Everything else we can give away to figure it out.”
Thomas, who goes by his last name, is a student artist. He spoke about his journey of artistic growth, mentioning a mask-making project as his favorite. It’s his second year in the program.
“This year, I learned a lot more. I learned how to use different materials and how to blend acrylic paints and I had a very good time with all the teacher assistants and the students,” he said.
Creative Solutions is a program of Big Thought, which helps young people learn life skills through arts education. This is the 30th year of the Creative Solutions program.
