Eight Pillars Project

The Eight Pillars Project is founded on the following core beliefs or Pillars:

• Artistic expression is health promoting.
• Disadvantaged youth have a story worth expressing.
• Disadvantaged youth are the experts on their experiences and are the best to create awareness for their needs.
• Disadvantaged youth have limited opportunities for personal expression.
• Success breeds success.
• Artistic expression enhances the experiences of living and can be life changing.
• Personal accomplishment and recognition that is meaningful to the individual enhances self-esteem and self-efficacy.
• Disadvantaged youth have limited opportunities for career exploration and development.

E-Gallery

In 2007 www.eight-pillars.org was launched. A part of the site is an electronic gallery featuring works of art created by disadvantaged youth. The E-Gallery is a way to make artwork available to anyone for purchase. Additionally, it will demonstrate to youth that artistic talent can create significant earnings.

Art Smart Camps

Disadvantaged youth spend a week on a major college campus discovering careers in art and life in college. The camps are a great opportunity to see how a career in the arts can be a chance for life-long artistic expression.

Holiday Cards

A yearly contest is held to find winter, holiday-themed artwork for greeting cards. The cards are sold as a fundraiser for the Eight Pillars Project.

Hanging Gallery

Youth create works of art for a 12-month calendar. The 12 winners receive a $100 prize. The Hanging Gallery is also a major fundraiser for the Eight Pillars Project.

Traveling Exhibits

Youth create traveling exhibits that build awareness of the needs of disadvantaged youth. The first exhibit, called "Walk A Mile", features redesigned shoes that tell the artists' stories and experiences.