Arts Corps’ New Program at the Youth Detention Center

Posted on Friday, November 1st, 2024 at 5:45 pm
Written by Arts Corps

 

                A black-and-white picture of Maria, a Latina woman with long curly hair, in front of a bookshelf with lamp     

For the last few years, Arts Corps has brought arts education into the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center to engage the students at Alder Academy, located inside. Alder is one of five sites that Arts Corps serves in our collaboration with Interagency, a network of alternative high schools that are part of the Seattle Public Schools District and that supports students who have not found success at traditional schools due to a wide range of factors related to systemic oppression. The students at interagency are farthest from educational justice, and at Alder our youth are facing the justice system. Arts Corps classes help provide these students with safe, consistent space for creative expression, social-emotional development, and arts-based strategies for engagement in school.

Through our time at Alder, we see the meaningful and transformative impact that arts have on these students’ lives. We wanted this impact to go even further and to reach more of the youth who need art as a right to healing and self-expression. So we decided that our classes within the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center needed to serve not just Interagency students, but incarcerated youth as well. After months of working with the Department of Adults and Juvenile Detention, we are now starting a new program to bring visual arts, movement, and spoken word to youth in detention.

Two of the programs’ teaching artists, Heather Harris and Maria Guillen Valdovinos, shared with us a little more about this new initiative.

What is each of you teaching in this new program?
 
H: I am excited to begin teaching the art of movement at the youth detention center.
 
M: I will be teaching visual arts, graphic design, illustration and collective muralism. 
 
What is the importance of having art within spaces like the Youth Detention Center and of offering these different mediums? 
 
H: The dance class will give the participants an opportunity to create movement, share stories and expression, as well as working on strength building, stretching and learning a variety of lyrical and jazz-based dance steps.
 
M: As a creative abolitionist I believe the arts, movement and expression should be accessible to everyone, especially youth incarcerated. There are so many ways to process lived experiences and at any stage in life anyone can be an artist. The arts ignite creative thought process, challenge dominant narratives, how we communicate and help us build collective ideas. These spaces are needed for youth to express themselves and be able to develop creative skills with community teaching artists. 
 
What are some challenges of the program? What are some areas of opportunities? 
 
H: Some of the challenges have been just getting clearance of paperwork before entering the facility, but we are making our way through the process and will be starting soon.
 
M: Some of the challenges are materials & tools becoming a liability, which is also a great opportunity to learn about different mediums & methods. Developing skills with technology and learning the process of both hand-drawn & digital drawing is something I always appreciate teaching youth. There are so many ways to be a creative person, and I think it is great as an arts community we can provide these resources to people experiencing incarceration. 
                                                                                            
You were approached for the program due to your experience as teaching artists. What is one lesson you’ve learned through time that you are bringing into the program?
 
M: Over the years I’ve learned as an artist & educator invested in community to be flexible and respect others autonomy. 
 
What is the role of art in social justice and in conversations of social issues such as youth incarceration?
 
H: I believe that Art is a wonderful tool to release emotions, tap into creativity and to meet each person exactly where they are at in their journey. 
 
M: The arts are inherently political and necessary for social revolutions; helping us shift our knowledge and find new ways to exist. Youth who experience incarceration deserve to be treated with dignity and have access to arts education. The arts create opportunities for understanding, knowledge, solidarity, and plays a vital role in shaping all aspects of societies.

Read More

Faculty Spotlight: Yaz Williams

Posted on Saturday, September 28th, 2024 at 12:31 am
Written by Arts Corps

A selfie of Yaz, a black person in their 20s on a sidewalk, wearing white sunglasses and their shaped in 5 points

Yaz joined Arts Corps last winter as a Classroom Assistant and this year they are stepping up as a Teaching Artist. Recently, they were kind enough to share some of their thoughts, experiences, and practices of being a teaching artist.

“Being a teaching artist to me is being able to have influence and be influenced by the youth without being necessarily in a traditional educational setting”.

Yaz had always wanted to be a professional creative but they never expected to be an educator. To them, traditional educational settings place teachers in a loop, bound by a list of requisites they need to teach in a set amount of time. In their mind, this seemed taxing and problematic, because it often leads to difficult conversation being dismissed in the classroom due to a lack of time.

However, Yaz realized there are alternative routes to be an educator, giving them the opportunity to be someone who can have these difficult conversations, “We all come from different backgrounds. I’m not going to shy away from the experience of your background in comparison to mine. We come from different backgrounds, and sometimes we have stigmas against people with certain backgrounds. We’re gonna talk about that.”

Yaz’s practice centers the power of voice, the power of choice, and teaching responsibility through action. When they set rules, they explain the reasons behind the rule by discussing how each action is a choice and how each choice has consequences for ourselves and others. “I’m not gonna be like, oh, you did this wrong. I’m gonna say we don’t do these things because of this. We should not do that because these are the consequences of that action.”

This also leads to teaching youth how to advocate for themselves and respect others’ boundaries, “I want [them] to be learning how to ask for help. I want [them] to learn to say ‘I’m not okay with that, I’m not comfortable with that, you made me feel this way’”.

Yaz uses art as a way for students to practice their power. When Yaz presents an activity they say, “I’m gonna show you how I do it. I’m gonna give you the tools for that. But then it’s up to you how you wanna achieve that goal. And you might not even want to achieve the same physical goal that I would.”

The most challenging thing about using art as a medium is that a lot of people, regardless of age, view art as a skill or as a privilege.

“Art is a right”, Yaz says, “Everybody has the right to create…[But] a lot of times kids will not pick up a paintbrush, pick up an activity because of that inherent, ‘Oh, I’m not gonna be good at it’. I’m not asking to be good. I’m asking you to try.”

So the focus of their art lessons is not just about improving certain skills, but also about pushing through the fear of failure, the fear of success, the “taking yourself too seriously”.

“In my space I want you to participate, and participation is success. Working through your frustrations is success. I like anything you give me. But I’m gonna defy some things because I want you to see your own progress.”

Challenging what art or success might look like allows Yaz to approach learning as a process rather than a product, recognizing students as individuals with their own needs and skills. For example, Yaz might say, “I wanted you to try tracing it, because this is teaching you how to hold a pencil. I’m looking at how you’re holding your pencil, so I can see if I can correct the way that you do it. Even still, if you hold your paintbrush up here, that doesn’t mean you’re better than someone that holds your paintbrush down here. It’s that you have different versions of control, of how you use your paintbrush.”

For this upcoming year, Yaz wants to lean into the sense of limitlessness that art as a whole has to offer and so for their for first curriculum as a teaching artist they choose the topic of world-building.

“I’m really, really excited to see what comes out of this entire course because I might have painters, I might have story writers, I might have people that build a little tribe of dolls because they have that skill set. I’m just excited to see a new generation of artists that have the freedom of being whoever they want to be, because they were taught the techniques of something, the definitions of something, rather than how you should create with it.”

Something else they’re excited about being a new Arts Corps Teaching Artist?

“At the excuse being a sap, I’ve literally waited my entire life to be this person. It was never a dream that I thought was accomplishable. So like, I’m giddy just imagining being in a space as this version of myself and being ready to be with kids. And I’m just really, really excited to see how my students receive me, and my excitement. I’m excited for it all”. 

Yaz Williams is a multi-disciplinary artist from Raleigh, North Carolina who is Black, AFAB, and queer and as such, their work is centered in Black and Afro-centric standpoints. Some of their practices are graphic novels, storytelling, prints, and stickers. Yaz moved to Seattle in 2022 as a Montessori school teacher and has since worked with South End Stories and LAUNCH. They got a BA in Child Adolescent Psychology from the HBCU, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in order to learn what techniques were historically created as marginalization tools, how to move away from them, and how to better serve BIPOC students. As an artist and a person, they are interested in sustainability, third spaces such as libraries and tool workshops, learning different communication styles, and cultural education. They want to increase their own cultural knowledge and that of others in order to help build a better sense of community. They enjoy visiting new places and sitting in parks.

Read More

Alum Spotlight: Jordon

Posted on Friday, August 30th, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Written by Arts Corps

Jordon is a student-now-turned-alum who participated in our Interagency program for the last couple of years, including our Print 4 Life class with Teaching Artist Greg. In her time with us she has created multiple screen print designs, both for commissions and to sell at the Columbia City Farmers’ Market, and she has shown her work at Arts Corps’ galleries at ACT and at Windermere Mt. Baker. Recently, one of her pieces was displayed at the Seattle Art Museum. Jordon graduated from our program this spring and is now getting ready to start her undergraduate studies in art. We’re so thankful to have her share a little about herself before continuing on her journey!

You’ve participated in Arts Corps programs for the last couple of years. Can you share a little about your experience?
I came to Interagency High School in late 2022. I was extremely excited and nervous to be back in an educational setting following many years of attending school on and off. The only thing I was truly confident in was that I knew how to draw; I was sure I’d be able to at least rack up art credits. On my first day, I happened to meet Mr. Greg. We talked idly about Townes Van Zandt and other pop cultural nonsense. I’d identified myself as a “good draw-er” and showed him some of my drawings, and he told me about screen printing, something I’d firmly associated with Andy Warhol. Over the 11th-grade year, I changed a bit, becoming more confident—I’d credit that to screen printing. I had a pretty good mentor-student relationship with Greg; I learned I could make money and make connections with art, and I had a lot of really great opportunities to just learn. I guess the best part about the last (almost) two years has been that I’ve felt like I’ve become a better artist, like I’ve gotten advanced and I’m ready to take it farther.

When creating art where do you get your inspiration for your work?
Well, I’m not sure what that means. I just do it because it’s all I can do.

How did you feel about seeing your artwork up at the Seattle Art Museum?
It was cool. I had never been to SAM before, I’d only ever driven by it. When I was little, I’d look at the hammering man sculpture outside and wonder what was inside and sure enough, the first time I went in, I found my own work in there. 

What is the thing you are most proud of that you have accomplished?
Well, I’m going to college pretty soon—for drawing. That’s crazy to think about, the idea that I’m taking this whole art thing further and deciding to get an actual education in it feels like a huge milestone. It makes me really just… excited, but in a way, I’m also scared I won’t do well or have the skills necessary—but then I remind myself that I’m there to learn, no pressure. I’m proud of myself for getting this far, really. 

What are the biggest challenges you face?
Biggest challenge, well… I’m kind of on a roll right now. I’ve had a good last couple of years, and I’m hoping to have a good many more, so I’m not so focused on the challenging stuff. I’d say… I’m kind of scared for the future, but isn’t everyone at 19?

What is something being an artist helped you overcome?
Mmm…I don’t know, man, it’s a skill but it isn’t a superpower, it didn’t save me from a real life or death scenario, but it’s just always been something I was confident in. If somebody was mean to me and I couldn’t really come up with a good comeback, all I had to do was just draw a good, mean caricature of that person and my point was made, you know? It was the one thing I felt I couldn’t fail at, being an artist.

Give us a list of five people or things that have influence you and why?
It’s awful if I don’t give the first spot to a family member, so
1. Mom and Dad, I’m grouping them together because they’re pretty equally great – my father taught me how to draw in the first place, it was his sketchbooks that I was flipping through, he was the greatest visual influence from my early life – and my mother has always been the dominating force in my life, and their opinions are the only ones that genuinely matter to me.
2. Orson Welles, not to sound big-headed but I just relate very much to his perfectionist nature and work ethic. I don’t think I could make anything as good as Citizen Kane, really, but I like to think I could have a good career.
3. Kurt Cobain, does it even need to be said at this point? It feels redundant to say, but of course he’s a huge inspiration, his influence is everywhere.
4. Andy Warhol – because no matter how lazy I feel, I’ll never be Warholian lazy.
5. Mr. Greg. He’s the… Well, he’s taught me a ton, I guess he’s the Warhol to my Basquiat (hahahaha) and likely the most honest teacher I’ve ever had.

Pastel painting of a blue sky and desert, with a cutout pen drawing of a masked figure on a horse

Pastel drawing of a green space needle with colorful mountains and outlines of skyscrapers, with "Pearl Jam" at top

"Interagency Southeast" in bold letters around drawing of a wolf's head

"Youthgrow Interagency" in bold letters, with drawings of an apple, a strawberry, peas, and a tomato, all happy Screen print of "Hank Williams" in black serif, with a image of Hank Williams made from white negative space in black square

Screen print of a photo of Kurt Cobain on a white t-shirt

 

Read More

Staff Spotlight: Antonesha Jackson

Posted on Friday, July 26th, 2024 at 9:35 pm
Written by Arts Corps

Headshot of Antonesha, a black woman with hair in a top bun, posing against a brick wall, smiling

We’re so excited to welcome Antonesha Jackson as our new Director of Development and Communications!

Antonesha has a great combination of skills, experience, and passion for our community. We look forward to everything her new perspective and ideas will bring. Get to know her a little through some Q&As: 

You have a background as a STEM educator. What do you see as the intersection between arts education and STEM education? 
STEM is a vital part of the current world we live in, and much of STEM is about being creative which directly relates to art education. Engineering is a technical aspect of many art mediums, as not only physical but virtual materials are used. I never thought of myself as a creative until I learned how to code and create my own applications based on my own ideas. 
 
Another part of your background is that you attended Howard University. What was the value of this experience?
Going to an HBCU was a pivotal part of my educational journey. Experiencing education in a system ran by African Americans and focused on our success was new for me since I was coming from a majority-white system here in the Pacific Northwest. Howard University is the mecca of HBCUs, founded in1867 in the heart of D.C., which is formally known as chocolate city because of its large black population. Being so close to the Whitehouse, I was able to see and hear first-hand the contributions my community has made in the United States. The value is unmeasurable. As an alum, it’s my goal to continuously uplift not only Howard but all HBCUs to the world.

With so much varied experience, what made you decide to go into Development?
Being an educator, it was frustrating dealing with administration, and lack of funding and parental support. Having worked with non-profits, I saw what changes can be made when you have supporters on the ground. I transitioned into event-planning in order to increase funds and community connections and then into development to grow funder bases and programs.
 
What is something you are excited for in your new role as Director of Development and Communications at Arts Corps? 
I’m so excited to work with Arts Corps as a Director of Development and Communications. I think my unique work and travel experiences has blessed me to see and experience a variety of art and I would like to share that with the world and our students. Seattle has such a variety of art, people, and cultures that are not always highlighted. It is my goal to open our students to mediums they may have never tried and make them lifetime learners and creators. 
 
You’re a Seattleite, born and raised. What are some of your favorite art spots in the city? 
This city has gone through so many changes during my lifetime, it’s really cool to hear about the history of Seattle through the eyes of my parents and grandparents. As a third-generation Seattleite, I got to see my community once redlined and forced to live in certain areas then be gentrified and forced to move out. My favorite parts of Seattle are mostly located in the central area because that’s where my family is from. I love walking up and down Jackson, down Jazz alley to Chinatown, siting by Lake Washington, or eating at my favorite spots on Union.

Antonesha Jackson is a third generation Seattle native. A proud graduate from Howard University Computer Information Systems with an MBA from American University. Formally the interim Director of Development at United Negro College Fund Pacific NW, she is now the current Development and Communications Director at Arts Corps. Inspired to pursue a career in STEM Education and nonprofit business analytics after college and living in Los Angeles, she is also a small business owner and lover of travel.

Read More

A Message from Arts Corps’ Co-Executive Directors: Embracing Transition and Looking Ahead

Posted on Thursday, June 20th, 2024 at 11:00 am
Written by Arts Corps

 

Dear Arts Corps Community,

It is the celebratory season of graduations! Witnessing our students embarking on their next journeys fills us with immense pride and hope. Just like our students, Arts Corps is also going through our own season of transition.

As we reflect on the past year, we are inspired by the resilience and solidarity within our own Arts Corps family and our community. The co-leadership model that started at the beginning of 2023 guided us through turbulent waters, fostering support and unity among staff, board members, and our broader community. Together, we navigated challenges, emerging stronger and more determined.

As we gaze towards the upcoming school year of 2024-2025, we are filled with optimism and renewed purpose. Taking a moment to pause and envision the future, we aspire not only to sustain but to thrive. In this spirit, after careful consideration, we have decided to transition back to the sole executive director model, supported by a dedicated leadership team.

With a deep commitment to pay equity and organizational sustainability, this decision was made collaboratively by both Shawn and Naho. In reaffirming our commitment to pay equity and organizational vitality, restructuring becomes imperative. We assure you that Arts Corps remains steadfast and poised for success.

Following this transition, Naho Shioya, our devoted and committed Co-Executive Director, will be embarking on a new chapter, and will continue to serve Seattle with her dedication to the intersection of arts, education, youth development, and social justice. Shawn Roberts will continue to serve as our Executive Director, leading us with hard and smart work focus, vision and dedication, and will be joined by an accomplished   leadership team, , to foster collaboration and innovation.

Naho’s last day at Arts Corps will be July 5th

Let’s take this moment to celebrate and embrace the boundless possibilities ahead!

We look forward to the 2024-2025 school year filled with new possibilities.

In solidarity and anticipation,

 

Naho Shioya & Shawn Roberts

Arts Corps



Read More

Staff Spotlight: Saeko Keller

Posted on Friday, May 31st, 2024 at 10:00 am
Written by Arts Corps

Saeko, a Japanese woman, holding a gray bird close to her face, a bush with pink flowers behind her

Saeko has been a crucial part of our team since 2020 and has done a lot of work behind the scene to keep us running and keep us improving, not to mention she’s helped create many fun and sweet moments. She will be leaving at the end of the fiscal year, but before she goes, we wanted everyone to have the chance to learn more about her. 

When did you start at Arts Corps?
I started working for ArtsCorps as a Bookkeeper in November 2020.

What do you do? What do you like about it?
I was promoted to Financial Manager in July 2022 and have been serving Arts Corps mission from that same position until now. I like to keep things in order, and by extension I like working in Bookkeeping. I get a lot of joy out of closing out the month by reconciling the numbers in the books each month.

Why is arts education important to you?
We all have at least one or two art forms that we are good at or prefer. They enrich our lives. Various forms of art allow us to express our inner feelings. They influence us, resonate with us, and play an important role in cultivating sensitivity and new ideas. I believe that art is an important element in our growth and evolution.

Has there been a piece of art which has had a positive impact in your life?
When I think what has impacted my life, I immediately think of Sayonara Galaxy Express 999, which I watched as a child.

What are some creative practices you like to do?
I find great joy in leaning and practicing interior design, gardening, and landscaping. I love to decorate my home space and the outside of my home according to the season and theme.

What is a positive memory you’ve made at Arts Corps?
The warmth of my Arts Corps colleagues is what I treasure most about Arts Corps. I love the laughter and cheerfulness of everyone when we get together. A few months, ago we had a board game day where we played Jenga and another game popular in Japan, and it was so much fun to see how seriously everyone took it. It’s fun and refreshing to get away from our normal work roles and play together like kids.

Saeko was born in Tokyo, and first visited the US at 17 as part of a high school study abroad program. She has worked in accounting for over ten years. She moved to the US permanently in 2015, when her husband retired from the Air Force. During her time off, she enjoys painting, interior design, and relaxing with her Shiba Inu.

 

Read More