Spreading the JAM!
"Free Arts of Arizona is a nonprofit organization that brings the healing powers of the creative arts to abused, neglected and homeless children by partnering with over 100 group homes, treatment centers and shelters in Maricopa County.
By recruiting creative volunteers to share their talents in the visual arts, music, theater, dance, creative writing and other artistic projects, Free Arts of Arizona helps children build self-esteem by unlocking their imaginations.
Many of the children we serve have been removed from their families due to abuse or neglect, and have been placed by the state into a group home. Still other children live with one parent in a domestic violence shelter or both parents in a homeless shelter. Some children live in residential treatment centers where they work to conquer painful issues of physical and sexual abuse, substance abuse, and violence.
All of the children need the chance to express their hopes, fears, frustrations, and emotions.
The creative arts give children a way to identify their emotions and express them through a positive medium. The creative arts give children the tools they need to improve self-esteem and social skills. The creative arts give children a voice."
jam chose Free Arts of Arizona to be the beneficiary of
donations from the JAMMIN Flea Market & May Day Event
that was held in the Charles Miller Square on May Day 2011.
After gathering all the donations and organizing a time to get to Free Arts facilities in downtown Phoenix, I was able to take a tour and meet the crew that is behind all that Free Arts is doing for the children in our community.
so she was the gal I met up with upon my visit.
She was so awesome & extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Free Arts and their mission & vision.
And-so, I got the tour. Their office is so vibrant and full of coloring, it was healing just walking in. It was magical being surrounded by all the handmade arts of children they have touched. I was so inspired by he junque necklace I saw hanging on their wall as we had just made jewelry junque wreaths at jam the day before.
Of course, living the spirit of jam, I was impressed over and over as I viewed reused pieces that were used to make art! Look at the cigar box turned purse below.
Creative shadow boxes adorned their cabinets &
tons of art made from everyday items that have the ability to become magical.
These ASU students are interning with the community outreach program that Free Arts dose daily to keep the volunteers plugged into the places in the Valley that they are needed.
They have loads of free art programs :: click HERE to see list!
When I left, Maggie and I snapped a picture commemorating my first visit to there creative space. Thank you Free Arts for all that you do!!!!!
As said best, "when the kids are with Free Arts, it is time when kids just get to be kids."
