Gary teens had an opportunity this summer to express their creativity in a series of Art workshops, thanks to a crowdfunding campaign, sponsored by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) in partnership with the Gary for Life initiative, and Gary Youth Services.
The funding raised during the campaign allowed Gary for Life to host a free 10-week-long summer series of workshops focused on providing Gary teens with a safe space to engage with different forms of art. Each of the workshops focused on a different art form, such as dance, painting, music, sketching or fashion, and each was taught by a local expert specific to the art form.
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch who serves as Board chair of IHCDA said, “It is so important we are giving young people various outlets to express themselves creatively. This program is encouraging young people to use art to create something positive in their community. For that reason, we couldn’t be more excited to come alongside the City of Gary and their Gary for Life Initiative.”
Following the workshops, the teens presented their various forms of art during a public showcase at the Gary Public Library and Cultural Center on June 30, 2018. The print art will be showcased at the city’s Back to School Health Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, August 11th at the RailCats Baseball Stadium, 1 Stadium, Plaza, Gary, Indiana and will be on display for public viewing on the first floor at City Hall the week of August 14 – 17th.
“This is an awesome opportunity from the IHCDA,” said Joy Holliday, Program Manager for Gary for Life. This campaign and partnership offered a chance to expose youth in our community to the arts, and helped them create positive lifelong experiences.”
All are invited to visit City Hall to view these original art designs by Gary teens.
