2022-02-02-ARTS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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IV. Presentation of Rainbow Artists by Program Director and Lesley University Student Noah Stang-Osborne and Discussion of Pride Week arts-related activities with LexPride Co-Chairs Valerie Overton Noah Stang-Osborne: Creator of Rainbow Artist ( supported with a 2020 grant).Art group for LGBT youth and allies. Noah presented the philosophy of their program and some recent projects ( Self-care box). The objective of the Rainbow Artist program is to allow youth to safely make art and express themselves. Noah is hoping to expand the program and add a parallel music theory program. Rainbow Artists has many benefits for youth : Therapeutic intervention, exploration of emotions, anxiety reduction, improvement of self esteem... The program is advertised through Lex media. People across the country are interested in expanding the program and Noah would be interested in writing an article. Social media are also listed as ways to communicate about the program. Other states have reached out to replicate the program and training sessions will be implemented.. The group currently includes 6 to 12 kids per group.The groups are kept on the smaller side to allow youth to bond with each other. Kids come from all circumstances: (some have been rejected by families, all races are represented, some kids are well affirmed, others still hidden). These kids need that space to relax their vigilance to be known and seen and feel safe to explore and express themselves. Most of these kids are trying to figure out their gender and are often facing bullying. A few kids had been referred to by counselors or therapists from Lexington schools. How we can help: - Spreading the word is important. : It is easy to reach the kids from affirming families. The hard part is to reach the kids who cannot come out in school or at home: Bring the awareness . Most of the awareness is brought through social media. - Finding guest artists :Having guest artists who are LGTB Q is very important for kids to figure out their future. - A special workshop to try to connect.Opportunities for children to connect and feel safe.