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EXPRESS YOURSELF – What could be finer, and more challenging, then to combine art with poetry? Committed educators at the Museum of Northwest Art and Voices for the Children are working with young people locally and in Joran to help them make sense of themselves and the world around them. The tools: art. The results: art. – Photo courtesy of Museum of Northwest Art
A child huddles over a paper, pencil in mouth, brow furrowed in concentration. Another child, half a world away, glides his pen rapidly, eager to jot down the thoughts, feelings and images that comprise his life. A youth quietly cries as she records a painful memory held deep inside. Another shouts with joy, excited to let the world know just who he is.
This is the Self-Portrait Project, made possible through a collaboration of the Museum of Northwest Art, the Skagit River Poetry Project and Voices of the Children. These non-profit organizations share a common mission, in part, that honors diversity and recognizes, nurtures and celebrates the voices of youth through involvement in the arts.
The Self-Portrait Project, was the result of a brainstorming process that became a reality for over 500 children and youth in the Skagit Valley. It required time, dedication and shared resources, and a genuine belief that children’s voices are meant to be valued and heard, both through the writing of a self-reflective poem and the extension into visual art.
The poem combined with art communicated something powerful, as does a connection formed with others, including Syrian refugee youth in Jordan. This project challenged, encour-aged and engaged Skagit Valley youth. Voices of the Children, a Mount Vernon-based organization, took it to Jordan, so that a link between cultures could be forged and understanding about how we all share universal feelings might be recognized. Aaron Wagner, the executive director, says it best, “That’s what we do with these art projects. We provide opportunities for connection, validation, belonging and relationships.”
The reaction from children was very positive. They learned to see themselves in a more complex way. Jayden Hall reflects, “Thank you for opening my eyes to a new language, a different way to express myself, and a new way to see others too.” Elliot turned his experience into a poem itself, “Poetry is the gentle whisper of words from the heart, the ebb and flow of the water on a windy day, the kind words of inspiration from others. It is the crackle of lightning and the roar of thunder, whirling and churning and waiting for release.”
Children loved the process of clearing defining themselves through art. The combining of words and art was a two-dimensional process and allowed for artistic expression in creative ways.
Where can you see the Self-Portraits? They are all over. Next month, they will be displayed throughout Mount Vernon, outside of businesses and inside as well, as part of the May Art Walk. Mid-May they will travel to LaConner to become part of the bi-annual Skagit River Poetry Festival. Check them out in businesses and throughout town. You will be astounded and delighted!
The Skagit River Poetry Festival is upon us. LaConner is transformed into Poetry Central in May. Poets from around the world converge on our community and change our lives. The festival is May 17-20. Please join us for a truly remarkable time.
Sherry Chavers is a retired teacher with a passion for writing and children. She volunteers with children, using writing to help them voice who they are. She went to Jordan with Voices of the Children to facilitate the poetry component of the Self-Portrait Project in March.
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