Path with Art

OUR MISSION

Path with Artfosters the restoration of individuals, groups and society from the effects of trauma through arts engagement and community-building.

OUR VISION

Path with Art is driven by its Vision: A world where arts engagement is recognized as transformativeconnecting the individual with self, the self with community, and communities with society. In this world, the power of arts engagement is available for all.

Since 2008, Path with Art has been at the forefront of a growing international movement that utilizes the power of art as a means to bring dignity, awareness, and healing to the complexities of the issues surrounding homelessness, and recovery from trauma.As a long-time leader in this field, the Path with Art model is currently being sought out and recognized by communities both nationally and internationally.

WHO WE SERVE

We serve low-to-no income adults in active recovery from domestic abuse, homelessness, addiction, mental illness, and other trauma who are working to rebuild their lives. Our students are referred to us by over 60social service partners. These include housing providers such as Plymouth Housing, the YWCA, and the Downtown Emergency Services Center as well as social service and mental health agencies such as the Community Psychiatric Clinic and Recovery Caf.

Path with Art takes the excellent work of its social service partners a step further by embracing the concept that food and housing are not enough for adults to regain and maintain stability. Path with Art programs encourage social and emotional development, civic engagement, and the personal growth necessary to help participants get on the path to a more stable life. Our top three programs include: Classes, Exhibits and Access Art. CLASSES Our classes provide the first opportunity for connecting art with our students. Led by professional teaching artists from the region we offer a variety of classes including theater arts, digital photography, painting and creative writing. The site-based classes go where the students are. Organizations wishing to host a class provide a space; help recruit students and support through providing an on-site staff person to assist with coordination and communication. Continuing classes are held within museums and other community spaces. EXHIBITS Students who have successfully completed a Path with Art class are invited and encouraged to participate in a public gathering honoring their work. These exhibits provide each student the opportunity to collaborate through setting up the show together; raise awareness to the public about the issues surrounding homelessness through talking about their artwork to exhibit guests; and reflection through writing an artist statement about the connection between their artwork and their personal story. These exhibits are typically held on a ?first Thursday? of the month in downtown Seattle. ACCESS ART Through collaboration with museums, galleries, theaters and other cultural institutions, we facilitate directed learning opportunities for our students to take part in first-rate performances, exhibits and lectures to which they would normally not have access. Additionally, our program supports the mission of other arts organizations all of whom seek to reach out to a diverse population, yet do not have adequate representation to connect to the individuals we serve. These activities benefit the participants by exposing them to the rich artistic culture of Seattle as well as benefits local cultural institutions by integrating and broadening their audience base. The resulting outcomes are helping to build community, supporting local arts and artists and closing the gap in accessibility to the benefits incorporating arts and culture into daily life.