A Wish for Change - Youth Art Exhibition
Art as Activism/Healing: Student Responses to Personal Experiences & Social Concerns - On view Through April 23
Through a series of free family and teen "Arts as Activism/Healing" workshops held in 2022 and 2023, artist Nayda A. Cuevas offered a safe and welcoming space for young people in our community to discuss themes of race, racial justice and social change in our community. Through creative expression we offered a powerful tool for healing, advocacy, and community-building. Participants included families from the Metrowest area; high school students from Concord Academy, Concord Carlisle High School, and Minuteman Regional High School; and young artists from the Elevated Thought art and social justice nonprofit based in Lawrence, MA.
During the workshops students were introduced to contemporary artists of color, such as Kara Walker, Ai Wei Wei, Titus Kaphar, Kehinde Wiley and many more. They learned how complex subjects of race and identity are explored in contemporary art to draw attention to the non-representation of non-white subjects in our society to critique stereotypes and racism.
Students were then prompted to answer questions below and what you see on the gallery wall at The Umbrella is their response.
- What kind of artwork would you make that shows who you are?
- How can I be visible in my community?
- Has there been a time that you wished you could change something at home, school, or in your neighborhood?
- What artwork would you make to envision and create change?
The exhibition was planned and supported in part through The Umbrella Arts Center's participation in Mass Cultural Council's Universal Participation Initiative, and its Innovation & Learning Network, with assistance from Concord Carlisle High School student and 2020 Umbrella DEIA Committee member, Jaymes Mercer. Learn more at TheUmbrellaArts.org/DEIA
