Painting Growth
Amber* is 14 years old, which is old enough to create the largest painting project she’s ever done. A member of the youth program at the Friendship Centre, a Right To Play partner in Manitoba, Amber felt very happy drawing and working on the tree, a floor-to-ceiling mural the staff at the Centre are delighted to have.
"Sometimes their actual voice is new to them," — Karen, PLAY Program Community Mentor
Starting from a concept sketch, the tree and owl moved on to the wall, where it will see some interactive use through all four seasons, with youth adding stick-on leaves to the branches and different themes near the roots.
Karen, the local PLAY Program Community Mentor, says “all youth need to be empowered to use their voice and the wall art is an example of that.” They have asked Amber to do some more painting in the Youth Centre. Providing a safe, creative space within the Friendship Centre allows children & youth to step out of their comfort zones, recognize their own potential, and express themselves – as Karen says, “sometimes their actual voice is new to them.”
*Name has been changed