Congratulations to all of our Teen Arts Leadership Program Graduates of Summer 2020! This program is supported in part by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s Youth for Community Improvement grant 💚 Participants of this program underwent leadership training, assisted youth arts classes, worked with an adult Artist Mentor, created original artwork, and developed and implemented their own virtual arts curriculum. Thank you again to the GWCF for making this program possible!
“My favorite thing about Main IDEA is the friendly community and the influence of trying something new.”
“I was able to be myself in this program and not hide for being different from everyone else.”
“This program really forced me out of my comfort zone and helped me to overcome my anxiety with participating and leading.”
“Main Idea has impacted my life by having me try out new things and be brave.”
Jallyssa
“Art is important to me because it allows me to be vulnerable and process my emotions. It’s such a big part of my life and I wouldn’t be who I am without it.”
Ciara
“Art has been with me for my whole life, I was inspired by my mom and anime. My mom was an artist herself and I watched so much anime growing up so I started drawing! A few months ago I lost my art style and quit drawing knowing that I will never find a new style but then I did. I’m still trying to get better at art and asking for help, I just want everyone to know that art is a better way to get away from stress, anxiety, a way to cope, and more! Art is my life and it always will be.”
Rosmery
“Art is important to me because I like to be creative and I would like to become a better artist. Art also makes me happy and I want to help other people become better artists.”
Emily
“Art, in all of its forms, prevails as an irrevocable and irreplaceable instrument to shape personal and community identities, and can ultimately save lives. Through passing these skills to future generations, not only are we expanding our perspectives and imaginations, we are providing devices for agency, exploration, and security that can be channeled into creating a future defined and captured by these upcoming trailblazers.”
Leilah Ali
“Art is important to me because it acts as a creative outlet to display my emotions, while also helping me to connect with others who have the same interests as me.”
Aliah
“Freedom, the freedom of art is why it is so important to me. The freedom to express myself without being stuck in a bubble and having no limits.”
Jonathan Lopez
“I think art is a way to express who you are and what you are feeling.”
Joel Rivera
“I’ve felt a strong connection to many different types of art from a young age.”