YOUTH ARTISTS UNITED/COMMUNITY ART LEADERS
A program in collaboration with Milwaukee Christian Center and Muskego Way Forward
A core philosophy: 'Your art expands as you expand.'
...
"In 2018 I was offered a chance by Milwaukee Christian Center to join their artist-in residence program, Youth Artists United, where an artist works with a group of teens to develop self-confidence, collaboration, self-awareness and other skills. I draw from my own background with healing community murals and using art as a way to relieve emotional stress from trauma to help young people get in touch with themselves and their community through a mural project.
When I felt depressed or struggled growing up, as soon as I picked up a pencil or brush I felt better. Training young people through community art is the jewel of my heart. They are our next generation. I believe in the power of art to heal, to unite, and to inspire, and to make a difference in the world. Community murals has changed my life - and I see how it can change others.
Today, many of the young people who have gone through this program are hired as assistants on some of Cosmic Butterfly Design's major mural projects, offering them paid experience, mentorship, and learning a trade. But more than that, they have better confidence, painting skills, and ability to execute high-level work - all while making a lasting contribution as a valuable part of something bigger." ~Tia Richardson
...
Since 2018 our program has completed seven public murals that have involved participation from over 200 community members and over 35 program alumni. Between 2018 - 2021 three large-scale murals totaling 200ft. long were completed on the back of El Rey Foodmart, with a new section being added each summer. In 2021 it won the Mayor's Choice Design Award for 'Spaces and Places'.
In this program, a group of 6-8 young artists work with Tia on a community mural with participation from residents, learning the steps to her method, design and painting techniques. Students will develop their skills of drawing and painting and add new skills with guidance from Tia. Applicants are hired after an interview. Students with an interest in drawing, painting and community building are encouraged to apply.
__________________________________________________________________________
JUNE 2024
...
This year, we hired 8 young artists for the program. We worked with Milwaukee Christian Center's Growing Connections teen gardening program to design and paint a mural for The Beehive, their community garden on S. 5th and Becher. The photos show: 1. The design reveal, where the community sees how their ideas from the visioning workshops were turned into refined sketches. 2. Youth painting during the sessions, and some close-ups of faces they imagined. This year I had more time to spend with them on developing this skill. 3. And finally, the mural reveal! What a joy it was to work with this group this year!
__________________________________________________________________________
THE TRAINING PROCESS
Learn what participants experience during the program
Having an open mind is key to creativity and collaboration, and sharing one's own ideas with others. Throughout the program students get to practice these skills, for example talking circles that help us create an open-minded, supportive space for sharing and listening. Students will also collaborate and work with community members ideas during community visioning sessions and paint days.
Students get a firsthand experience of Tia's philosophy of healing art by watching videos and film of Cosmic Butterfly Design's past collaborative efforts to reflect on how they have helped other communities. We'll try creative exercises and reflection, challenging ourselves to expand our perspective on what art and being an artist can be.
PAINTING WITH HARMONY
After the design is approved, the community is invited to come out and help bring it to life 'paint-by-numbers' style. We've enjoyed having families, adults of all ages and walks of life, neighbors, elected officials, schools, and passerby help. Then, the students add more blending and colors to give it the finished look you see in the photos. More in the videos below!
VIDEOS
"Nurturing Roots of Life Within the Community/Cuidando Raices de la Vida dentro la Comunidad" (2019)
"Trying
to do the things that really bring you closer to the community and
bring the community closer to you. And once we get closer... we get
stronger... and that's what makes it a better place to live."
~Austin, artist intern
"Growing Gateways to Unity/Abriendo Puertas hacia la Unidad"
Check out this website from our first year: https://communityartleaders.wixsite.com/youthartistsunited
Video by Public Allies "...And Then there were Six" for their Team Service Learning project
IN THE PRESS
PHOTOS: MUSKEGO WAY RESIDENTS CREATE COMMUNITY-ENGAGED MURAL by Adam Carr, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
BETTER ANGELS: NEW MURAL IS ONE NEIGHBORHOOD'S STORY OF BETTER THINGS TO COME by Crocker Stevenson, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
PROJECT PARTNERS AND FUNDERS
The Community Art Leaders mural program is a collaboration with Milwaukee
Christian Center and Muskego Way Forward Initiative, with financial
support from MPS Partnership for the Arts and Humanities, the Greater
Milwaukee Foundation and the City of Milwaukee Office of Violence
Prevention.
Milwaukee Christian Center