Collaborative Art Project of Words Alive, ArtReach & San Diego Public Library
SAN DIEGO, California (September 28, 2021) – Demonstrating the resiliency of San Diego’s youth, a moving new collaborative art exhibit, “Concentric Community” is on display at the Mission Valley Public Library through October 16.
Organized by San Diego nonprofits Words Alive, ArtReach, and the San Diego Public Library, this year’s Art & Lit Exhibit engaged 1,210 youth learners to connect reading, writing, and art through the creation of “Identity Circles.” The curated exhibit includes artwork submitted by 250 students across San Diego.
Words Alive Executive Director Rachael Orose says the collaborative partnership between Words Alive, Art Reach San Diego, the San Diego Public Library, and 23 community partners was critical to the success of this year’s project.
“As young people continue to struggle with uncertainty, disconnection, and trauma caused by the ongoing COVID pandemic, this project provided an opportunity for students and families to connect through reading, writing, and art. It’s a testament to the strength of San Diego that so many partners, volunteers, and families came together to amplify the voices of our community’s young people,” said Orose.
Annually, Words Alive spearheads an Art & Lit project designed to help students connect concepts from literature to their lives, through art. This year’s selected books featured characters battling loneliness on their journey to discover themselves, and included: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz, Ghost by Jason Reynolds, and The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.
Inspired by painter Alma Thomas’ masterpieces, ArtReach developed the “Identity Circle” concept providing an opportunity for students to develop mindfulness habits and emotional awareness in the creative process.
San Diego Public Library was a key distribution partner, enabling families throughout the county to access the project. Libraries distributed kits including this year’s anchor texts and art materials for students to make their “Identity Circles” at home.
“Unable to engage with our youth as we did pre-Covid, the Art & Lit Project provided the Library with the opportunity to connect youth in our communities to this engaging and impactful project,” said Emily Derry from the San Diego Public Library. “We are honored to see the students’ authentic artwork come to fruition through pieces that reflect the journey and experiences of our talented youth.”
Thanks to the generosity of philanthropists, volunteers, and community agencies, Art & Lit 2021 provided free books and art supplies to over 1,000 families throughout San Diego. The exhibit is now on display at the Mission Valley Public Library through October 16.
To learn more about the project, visit: www.wordsalive.org/art-lit-2021-community.
For an interview, or more details, please contact: Rachael Orose, Executive Director, [email protected].,
