Investment in a community’s youth is the basis for the future wealth of that community; poorer communities, however, suffer under the weight of poverty and under-equipped school systems. This concern has roused the attention of the Art for Community Transformation Club whose goals are to better the lives of people in the Fresno community through promoting art.
“For me, going out into the community and trying to expose them to art, I think it can transform anyone,” said Lyle Nelson, treasurer of ACT. “It makes them feel something outside themselves, instead of just being locked into a dreary existence, these little bits of color, they make you feel something.”
The hope of directly improving the lives of the community’s children is what inspires ACT. The the group has been working with the Ronald McDonald House charity.
“They asked for art supplies for the children,” said club director Laura West , “We’ve raised 200 bucks, and have gotten a lot of art supplies donated that we are going to take to the center and do a workshop with the kids, that’s coming up pretty soon.”
ACT has found that leaving an impact on the formative years of an individual is of exceptional value, not only to ACT but to the whole community, as today’s youth will inevitably be tomorrow’s neighbors.
”The biggest thing is the work we’ve done with children, seeing them get excited and light up, and hearing back from their parents about the stuff that they are doing. It’s those little experiences that you have when you’re a kid stay with you forever,” said West.
Despite how small the program is, the members of ACT are sincerely passionate about affecting the life of the younger generation. Club Secretary Samantha Riden said, “You can really see the impact just being at the booth and seeing all the kids, its entertainment for them.”
In name, ACT suggests that it was established for the members to improve the community; however, they have began forming a community of their own.
“[The club] has definitely helped my come out of my shell. I don’t usually talk to people,” said Riden.
ACT offers a place for artists and students to gather and learn what art means to them. They hold workshops and events, and offers places for students to showcase work.
Club Treasurer Lyle Nelson said, “Before I joined ACT I was not really into art that much. So being around these artists, who have more experience than I do, it’s really helped me to explore my own art. So it’s great to bounce ideas off of them. It’s kind of transformed me into being a better artist, just being around a group of people who are really nice.”
ACT’s desire to spread artistic and academic wealth is deeply entrenched in their personal community.
“Whether you’re an art student, art lover or you don’t know anything about art, we try to give our time to service those people who want to learn but don’t have the opportunity,” said Club Officer Michael Lee.
ACT’s support of its members and local artists is being spread further as the club has created a grant for art students.
“We’ve also raised 300 bucks… so that we can help somebody continue on with art,” West said. “think that is really important. We are making sure that this one isn’t based on finances or units. We are opening it up to the person that does the most creative application and has the most drive.”
The winner of this grant is to be decided by three art teachers which will be judged at the beginning of this coming fall semester.
Through involvement with ACT, FCC students can benefit from the grant and also receive the influence and support that can help them increase their appreciation of art. Information for this grant or on how to get involved with art in your community through ACT, can be found by contacting ACT Club President Danielle Mayer at [email protected].
