"All children are our business. We cannot turn our
backs on them because we don't know them
personally nor judge why these children are
homeless. What matters now is that we become
accountable and responsive to these kids because
they are a part of our future."
- Jozef Dominguez
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Arts in the Making is completing its third year of bringing professional
artists together with Seattle's at-risk and homeless youth through a mutual
interest and passion for visual arts, music and movement. We have been
fortunate to identify two strong partners in Seattle who have helped us
modify AIM so that it fits more seamlessly into existing agencies that are
currently working to serve this population. Peace for the Streets by Kids
from the Streets (PSKS) and The Orion Center have both welcomed us
into their drop-in centers, and over the last three years we have been
bringing expressive arts workshops to the very place where these kids
hang out, get a bite to eat, get their mail, etc.
PSKS and The Orion Center both have programs that support at-risk
youth, such as Street Outreach, Continuing Education, Harm Reduction,
Case Management and Meal Programs. Art supplies are even available
to the teens to use while they are at the center, though often the
introduction of an engaging artist volunteer and an organized activity
makes all the difference in getting the teens involved and focused on Arts.
Arts in the Making is currently working with PSKS to provide Arts as part of a Continuing Education
Program that supports the attainment of a GED for teens who complete a certain number of required
credits. "Street School" gives teens who have not had success in a traditional learning environment an
alternative way of completing their education and getting their GED. Once we are able to secure funding,
Arts in the Making will become part of this program and offer an accredited 40 hour Arts program that will
count towards the basic requirements of Street School.
Our current initiative involves a monthly visual art program organized by Sierra Dove Volunteer and Seattle
artist Shelly Brack. One afternoon a month we bring a two-hour organized visual arts activity to The Orion
Center and PSKS. We welcome the input of local artists, and invite the community at large to volunteer to
teach a workshop or help host a workshop in support of our volunteer art teacher. This is an entirely
volunteer-driven effort and we rely on donations of time and supplies to support our efforts.
