The center was started on the Newton campus to give disadvantaged youth a creative place to express their experiences through art. It offers a comprehensive array of programs, including: incentives for improved behaviors, outings, recreation and opportunities for service within the community. These programs allow the children to reframe their difficult life experience to help them create new tools for coping.
Additionally, two weekly groups are offered, the Window Between Worlds art group and the Creative Arts Program group, that serve as our platforms for reaching clients. Youthville uses visual arts, drama, dance, music and play to help address issues such as abuse, anger and drug abuse. There are three distinct rooms: the Nook, Note, and Globe used for groups and programs.
A Window Between Worlds, started in Los Angeles in 1991, is a program based on the assumption that through art, a healing process can and does happen for people who have experienced trauma through domestic violence. Clients have weekly art groups and work in many different mediums. Finished artwork has become part of gallery exhibits.
The Walk A Mile exhibit is the Expressive Art Center's distinctive traveling display. Shoes are donated to the center and used as a method for clients to tell their story of life in "the system," so the viewers can "walk a mile" and gain understanding of children in Youthville's care.
The Chalk Festival, an event presented by Youthville's Expressive Arts Center, allows families to experience a day of art and is held annually in downtown Newton, Kansas. The day is filled with demonstrations by professional artists, listening to live music, and the chance to create your own chalk art. The 2009 event is scheduled for Saturday, May 30.
Expressive Arts Center Micala Gingrich-Gaylord, Expressive Arts Center Coordinatormrush@youthville.org 316.283.1950 ext. 6140 or 6146 800.593.1950 ext. 6140 or 6146
Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility Stacey Winter, Campus Directorswinter@youthville.org 316.283.1950 | 800.593.1950