Expressing Creativity, Empowering Youth
The expression of creativity benefits and belongs to everyone. In York, an after-school art program is giving young members of this community an empowering and secure environment to express their creativity.
Developed by Creative York, the Teen Art House gives youths ages 12 to 18 a chance to expand their knowledge of art and explore themes in art relevant to their age group. Experienced Teaching Artists from the York County community work with youths on guided art projects. In 2018, youth participants explored acrylic painting, relief printmaking, oil painting, screen printing, book binding, soft sculpture sewing, geometric colored pencil design and stop-motion animation.
“Engagement in the arts not only allows young people to express themselves and unleash the power of their imaginations, but it can also build skills and confidence, foster teamwork and inspire the formation of social bonds and empathy for others,” says Mindy Christian, executive director for Creative York, a nonprofit arts organization in downtown York dedicated to supporting local artists in all art disciplines and making the arts accessible to members of the public.
“We often think of creativity as a luxury or a pastime, but it’s neither. It’s one of the most fundamental aspects of being human,” says Rebecca M. Shanaman, chair of the board of directors for Creative York and a business and real estate attorney for CGA Law Firm. “We ask questions, find answers, draw, paint, tell stories, tell jokes, turn clay into art, make music, design and build. We look at what we’ve done and we go back and do it better. It’s in our nature as people.”
Committed to improving the lives of the people of York through its professional and philanthropic efforts, CGA Law Firm is pleased to support Creative York and many more arts and cultural opportunities that allow everyone — including our community’s youth — to express their creativity.
YRK PERSPECTIVES:
How does art inspire you in your work?
“Creativity can take many forms, whether in a painting, sculpture or the solution to a legal problem. Nurturing creativity can lead to so many unexpected and exciting results.”
— Larry Young, Bankruptcy Department Chair, CGA Law Firm, and Creative York Board of Directors Member
- 135 N. George St. York, PA 17401
- 717.848.4900
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- 135 N. George St. York, PA 17401
- 717.848.4900