Art Exhibit for Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Art Expression During Homeless Children’s Awareness Week (October 15-23, 2016), Art Expression Inc. will partner with the Homeless Children’s Education Fund to present an exhibit of artwork and performances by youth experiencing homelessness, turning a needed spotlight on the plight of young people who lack stable housing. All work will be for sale and the exhibit proceeds will benefit the young artists. Homelessness in America is widespread and extends to every demographic group, including the young. Throughout the country, there are thousands of young people who lack stable housing and are in need of help. They don’t just need food, money and shelter – they need emotional support as well. Just like all of us, they need to be validated and reminded that they have worth. Help us meet our goal of $1,000, which will pay for art instructors and materials for the artwork that will be exhibited in October. Art Expression Inc. is a non-profit foundation established in 2001 by James and Angela Lowden as an expression of their passion for alleviating the social inequalities that exist among children of different abilities and backgrounds. The organization’s mission is to facilitate positive socialization through expressive art activities and provide academic enrichment in an inclusive educational environment. Art Expression has been designated as a “Model Art Therapy Program” by the American Association of School Administrators & American Art Therapy Association in 2011, and in 2013 received a Certificate of Excellence from the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. In addition to its flagship Creative pARTners program, Art Expression Inc. has developed six specialty programs that combine science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts with art to create STEAM programming. Art Expression conducts programming with masters-degreed arts therapists, faculty from partnering school districts and educational staff in homeless shelters and community organizations throughout southwestern PA. Since its founding, Art Expression has served over 7,300 children. Photo Copyright © 2016 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.