Thanks for the kind words, Kathy! Well, I started the program with photography actually. I taught the students all the functions of a camera, then good composition, then they put on art show. Most kids sold their work and made about $200 each. So they were hooked. We then moved to painting, creative writing, and some improv. Things only improved from there. The kids (both male and female) learn different art mediums, as well as successful techniques for self-expression. They learn the business side of art: marketing, advertising, talking to local vendors about donations, and proper attire for art shows. They help set the show up, attend the show and network. They also come up with a family approved way to spend their money - I push for court fines or more art supplies. the kids who don't feel connected to the community, now feel connected because an adult (who they might typically view as an enemy) just purchased a piece or art they completed. They feel better about themselves because something they created (about themselves) was good enough for a stranger to buy.
My favorite recent change in direction is that kids are startling to respond to western art. We deal with a lot of gang kids, drug addiction, mental health, etc.. so often, street art and/or abstract is the most popular. I brought out a few older buffalo bill art show catalogs and issues of Southwest Art and the kids were really into. They like the really traditional stuff. I was blown away when I saw a heavily gang involved kid doing a painting of the tetons. Pretty cool!
TCAMP is set up like an art co-op. We will do an intake with the kids and identify how art can help them. We set a goal for their artistic accomplishments, and then once they get started they get their own time and space to create. I will get the started on how to use the medium and then they can explore from there. I will give them as much or little help as they need. They don;t feel pressure and they gain independence. They feel real ownership.
Kids come in on average for about 2 hours a day 3 times a week, and that works out to about 20 kids a day. As we branch out to more locations (We now have Ft. Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Estes Park offices now) I work less and with kids as I am the contract person (money guy). So it ends up being a lot of paperwork/meetings.
I have seen a lot of changes actually. We have worked with kids who are complete nightmares - they are bi-polar, drug addicts, suicidal, behavior issues, etc. They could never stay in school for more than 10 minutes without getting kicked out. They would often go on the run. We knew we were onto something with these kids when they would go on the run, they would come to see us to work on their art projects. Most of our students have gone back to finish up high school and some even go on to college. We have had some families that were so out of synch with each other (arguing, anger, fear, etc). One family specifically we suggested the family work on a painting together. Everyone had to put in equal amounts of work. The very next day, the dad came in with his family and had purchase several large canvases himself for his family to do more paintings together. We were blown away by that, so now we are coming up with more family arts based programming.
Hopefully that all made sense (I kinda ramble a bit there). If you need anymore info, let me know. Thanks!
Blake
On Tue, Apr 26, 2011 at 8:08 AM, Kathy Thompson <info@buffalobillartshow.com> wrote:
Thanks, Blake, now tell me personally how you interact with the students...boys? girls? How many do you instruct? How have you personally seen changes or witnessed emotional stress in art? This is so wonderful you do this! If you have time just write a few things that have impressed you. I am very proud to know you! Kathy
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Hey Kathy,
Great seeing you today. I will get the photos to you this week. However, I wanted to get you the paragraph of what I do. Here it is:
"TCAMP (Transitional Creative Arts and Mentoring Program) is a community based program that works with teens ages 11-19 that are in need of structured pro-social activities when they are not in school. TCAMP uses the arts as a way to link teens with the community in a positive way. TCAMP offers the opportunity to participate in performances, shows and collaborate with local artists in many artistic mediums: Music, Theater, Photography, Writing, Painting, Drawing. Teen years are a time of discovery and self appraisal; TCAMP helps young people navigate this often difficult and challenging transition into adulthood."
The website is www.t-camp.org for further reading.
Hopefully that helps.
Blake
