The power of one-on-one creative mentoring
Art Buddies provides after-school programs free of charge for hundreds of children from low-income families each year at partnering schools in the Twin Cities. By working with creative mentors one-on-one, each child is able to discover what they can do and who they can become through the power of creativity and individualized attention.
The Art Buddies curriculum incorporates reading, writing, drawing, planning, and three-dimensional construction. On the first day, kids and mentors are paired, after which each mentor asks their buddy a series of questions to begin the creative process.
The main project is a costume that reflects each child’s unique interests, strengths, and dreams. It’s a powerfully transformative art form. Rather than creating something that stands or hangs on its own, each child becomes their artistic vision. The curriculum also includes a supplemental project called a Buddy Book, for buddies to write or draw their costume ideas, make a plan, and journal their experience with stories and photos.
Transforming kids’ lives with creativity
Through the involvement of creative professionals, like architects, writers, and graphic designers, kids also have the opportunity to learn about various creative careers. Many of the children are not aware of all the creative jobs in the world that might be right for them, that may be a path to a brighter future.
Kids who participate in Art Buddies often express how much they love it. One Art Buddy named Phong (age 9) said, “I feel like an inventor!” Another Art Buddy Maria (age 9) said, “I never really knew I was creative before. Now I know I can do anything!”
Each season of Art Buddies ends with kids and mentors celebrating their creative achievements in a school parade, group presentation, and professional photo shoot. It’s an empowering experience for each child as they take pride in what they made and who they are. Mentors are also inspired by the experience and difference they can make in a young person’s life by sharing a bit of their time, attention, and creativity.