IMPACTING YOUTH THROUGH VISUAL ARTS
Art Connective is a non profit art organization dedicated to helping youth and adults gain access to the arts through exhibitions, events and workshops. We have teamed up with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of NE Wisconsin to offer free creative classes for Bigs & Littles to attend.
HOW ART BENEFITS YOUTH
DECREASE DROP OUT RATES
IT HELPS MOTIVATE KIDS AGES 12-18 YEARS OLD TO ATTEND AND STAY IN SCHOOL. LOW INCOME YOUTH ENGAGED IN THE ARTS HAVE A 5X LOWER DROP OUT RATE.
IMPROVE MENTAL & EMOTIONAL STATES
ART IS HEALING BECAUSE IT FORCES YOU TO FORGE A CONNECTION BETWEEN YOUR MIND & BODY CREATING A POSITIVE WAY TO EXPRESS ONESELF.
BUILDS SELF CONFIDENCE
THROUGH REPETITION AND PRACTICE OF THE ARTS THEY DEVELOP LIFE LONG SKILLS THAT WILL BE APPLIED TO FUTURE CAREERS.
THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM
"Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to change the lives of children facing adversity for the better, forever. They operate in communities all across the United States - urban and rural, Big and Little. Our mentors work with children in the community, in their schools, on military bases, and many places in between." - BBBS
It can be hard to find fun and interesting activities that are low to no cost for BBBS. I was a Big while living in Portland, OR and even in a big city, it was difficult to find activities that didn't involve a fee. So I understand how important this is to their program. Besides that benefit, winter in Wisconsin can be harsh so it becomes even more difficult in our area to find free indoor activities that are suitable for youth.
Our visual art workshops provide a free activity for Bigs and Littles that are fun! The workshops also provide the littles a positive way to express themselves, develop motor skills, strengthen critical thinking and provide self confidence through repetition and practice.
Your donation will help us continue to offer this amazing program for free.
"Art promotes healing. Unlike exercise, which works your body, or meditation which clears your mind, art-making accesses both mind and body to promote healing. Every time you sit down to write, draw, paint etc you are using mental processes in a physically engaging way." - Henry Ford Health 2018