Arts Calm Down Teens

Amanda McDermott works as the Art Director at "Muscle and Fitness" and "HERS" magazines. She has been mentoring a group of teenagers who have serious emotional and mental health issues at Project Six in Van Nuys. Here's Amanda's story about her Introduction to Art Workshop.

I first connected with Create Now because I wished to explore the role of being a mentor while indulging in two things I am passionate about: art and today's youth. I have had a strong interest in art all my life and wanted to share the benefits that come from self-expression through creativity.

For the past two months, I have been doing arts and crafts with the foster teens at Project Six. These workshops provide the adolescents with the tools and guidance they need to begin the creative process. Some of the projects are fun and simple and others require patience, listening and concentration. Either way, they allow these young adults to express themselves in a positive manner.

The youth at Project Six have clearly demonstrated that they possess the desire and need for self-expression. With a little encouragement, they are able to use and develop their skills and imaginations to create artwork they can take pride in. We have tie-dyed T-shirts, sewn pillows, constructed origami holiday stars, and made wallets out of duct tape.

During the projects, I have seen disinterest turn to inspiration and frustration turn to confidence. Many of the teens are surprised by the things they can make and have discovered the endless possibilities that art has to offer.

This experience is increasingly rewarding for me. It feels great to know that I am giving the youth at Project Six an artistic opportunity that they may not otherwise have. I have made a real connection with these young adults and I hope I am bringing as much joy to them as they are to me.

Here's what Project Six staff and residents have said about our Introduction to Art Workshop:

"The kids really look forward to it. One youth named Brian who is low-functioning autistic loves the art workshops. He can't wait until every Wednesday. When some of the youth first come, they're rowdy and acting crazy. But as soon as we give them instructions for the arts projects, they calm down." - José Castillo, Residential Counselor at Project Six

"I liked the tie-dyed T-shirt project because I never did it before. It was fun to do and you never know how it's going to look." - Sasha, age 17

"I put all my hard work into it and I'm impressed with the art that I made. It makes me feel good. I like the lanyard that I'm making. I'm going to use it for a keychain when I go home." - Frankie, age 14

"I like the tie-dyed and making pots. People brought their socks and stuff to decorate." - Alexandra, age 14