BRATTLEBORO — The River Gallery School of Art recently received funding from the Thomas Thompson Trust for the Art for Social Change project.
According to a news release, the project “will focus on the healing aspects of art and mindfulness for marginalized populations, community caregivers, and the general public. The emphasis of these classes is not on art technique but on offering an opportunity to play with art materials in a relaxed environment.”
RGS instructors say the process of making art offers a path toward well-being, and not only offers a sense of calm and a creative outlet for people in stressful situations, but also builds a sense of voice and belonging among the group, and self-confidence in the individuals.
This grant has three aspects that all aim to support the health of the local community.
Part one is to collaborate with the local agencies that serve the needs of people of color, the LBGTQ community, at-risk youth, victims of domestic violence, and the transient population in the new housing facility, Great River Terrace.
RGS will design free expressive arts classes for each marginalized group, possibly focused around self-portraits using a variety of mediums.
Part two involves teaming up with Brooks Memorial Library to offer monthly art workshops open to all ages, free of charge. Participants will use discarded library books to make 2D and 3D art creations. These workshops will be hosted in the library meeting room and will be accessible, hands-on, and fun.
The hope is to help participants relieve stress, change pace, and find creative focus in the midst of sometimes chaotic schedules, starting a positive ripple effect on families, friends, and even the greater community.
Part three of this grant extends the work that RGS has already done to provide art programming for area community caregivers. The Kahn-Mason Foundation has provided funding in the past for classes to support individuals who are providing ongoing care for a disabled or ill family member.
Through this new grant, RGS will extend the invitation to professional caregivers in the community - including mental health workers, hospice workers, area therapists, nurses, and EMTs - to offer a regular time for rejuvenation in their week.
A free weekly, ongoing drop-in class for caregivers in “Art and Mindfulness” will be offered, as well as monthly art workshops in a variety of mediums.
All these Art for Social Change initiatives will culminate in an art show at River Gallery School's Gallery 34 in December 2019 to share the artistic expression of our diverse and caring community.
“We will provide you with a variety of art techniques that allow you to drift away from your thoughts and explore the calm energy that occurs when creating art,” said RGS faculty member Jess Weitz. “There's no need to be concerned about past art experiences to benefit from healing through art.”