ACCESSIBLE

All of our projects aim to inspire creativity with a variety of materials and mediums. If someone does not have access to supplies, we find a way to provide some!

RELIABLE

We use a community-based group setting with a co-leader approach to model co-parenting and offer a wider range of artistic skill sets and opportunities to:

THERAPEUTIC

Art offers a way to support the development of social, emotional, physical and interpersonal skills in people of all ages.

Art as Prevention

The art-making and creative process is rooted in a human’s need to communicate and to know. Through the creative process, we are privileged to discover new meanings and relationships, create a practical path to the unseen, and then bring it to a place of reality with Art Therapy.

Both encourage self-reflection, self-awareness, self-regulation and commitment. Both focus on the development of positive social skills, life skills, good decision-making and resilience. Participating in Art Therapy provides a safe and tangible outlet for underlying thoughts and feelings. Anti-social behaviors, such as theft, drugs, alcohol and risky sexual behavior, are less likely to occur where safe outlets and opportunities for self-expression are available.

Through art exhibits, events and volunteerism, community leaders can see Youth as positive members while Youth are able to take ownership of their community in a way that is productive, not destructive. As a result, Youth may develop more positive relationships with authority figures. The growth of these relationships often lead to a deeper mutual understanding between two parties.

New Perspectives

Youth may begin to see themselves, their peers, and their community in a different way. Working to create an image, dance, performance, or poem requires self-discipline and communication. It also requires healthy risk-taking to try something new or extraordinary.

Co-Facilitation in Action

When a Youth laughed at her own drawing, the Therapeutic Arts Assistant invited the Art Therapist to help them explore the disconnect of effect (humor) and subject matter (suicide). Together they supported the Youth’s artistic expression, technique, and difficult feelings that she may have been unable to express without Art as the conduit. The creative process and resulting artwork offer problem-solving opportunities for Youth struggling with internal and external conflicts and isolation, help build acceptance and self-esteem, and promote empowerment.

ArtVan’s team works with people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. With a sincere desire to honor all individuals, their commitment to inclusion, creative expression, and diversity guide each interaction and program design.

ArtVan is not just about the art. We also build trust, create supportive relationships, and encourage healthy risk-taking behavior.

I can draw and paint whatever I feel, because when I try to explain it, no one gets it.

ArtVan is an amazing nonprofit that gifts Youth the opportunity for connection, solace, and healing through art. A very important gift especially during such unprecedented times!

Art is important because it is really fun. It can calm down your anger. Draw something you are angry or sad about instead of hitting people.

I was mad so I finger painted. I decided to add a heart. Now I feel good. I do art because I can do whatever I want. I hide words in the painting.

FALL 2021
SCHEDULE

Mondays – 3:30-5:00pm – Maritime Apartments at 12 Windjammer Way, Bath

Tuesdays – 3:30-5:00pm – Bacon Street Neighborhood in Biddeford

Wednesdays – 3:30-5:00pm – Lewiston & Auburn (alternating locations, please contact us for weekly location)

Thursdays – 3:30-5:00pm – Perryman Village at Perryman Drive, Brunswick

Fridays – 3:30-5:00pm – Atlantic Townhome Apts on Lark Street, Bath

Since 2004, ArtVan has provided therapeutic arts, strengths-based programs to under-resourced neighborhoods, due to numerous grants and steady support from individual donors and foundational grants. Our Core Neighborhoods remain at the heart of ArtVan’s mission & weekly work:

Maritime Apartments, Bath
Atlantic Townhouses, Bath
Perryman Village, Brunswick
Lewiston Public Library
Tree Street Neighborhood, Lewiston
Bacon Street, Biddeford
Family Development, Auburn
Broadview Acres, Auburn

ArtVan does work with all populations, agencies, & organizations to support specific needs and requests. These Community Partner Programs (CPPs) may be on a one-time or ongoing basis, depending on the hiring organization who pays a fee-for-service cost for the program.

Lewiston Public Schools
River Valley Village
Horizon Program
The Center of Wisdom’s Women
Youth Leaderships Advisory Team (YLAT)