A.R.T. for Life: A Celebration of Young Artists
Join us at The Kimbell for an inspiring community pop-up celebrating the creativity and accomplishments of young artists participating in the A.R.T. for Life program.
The afternoon will feature a display of one-of-a-kind painted sneakers created by program participants, hands-on art projects, spoken-word performances, music by DJ Rob, drinks, and light refreshments. Come meet the artist mentors, experience their work, and help us celebrate the power of creativity to build confidence, encourage personal growth, and change lives.
Meet the Artist Mentors
LeAnn Hale is an artist and teacher who has guided A.R.T. for Life participants through hands-on individual and collaborative art projects. For this year’s program, she mentored the young artists as they transformed sneakers into original works of art reflecting their personalities, ideas, and creativity.
Leanetta “Shug” Avery is a poet, performer, and educator who co-founded Texas A&M’s Mic Check spoken-word community. As an A.R.T. for Life mentor, she has helped young people use journaling and poetry to explore their experiences, express their emotions, and discover the strength of their own voices.
About A.R.T. for Life
Art Reaching Teens (A.R.T.) for Life is an artist-mentored program serving young people in juvenile detention and on probation. Through painting, poetry, performance, and collaborative projects, participants gain a positive outlet for their creative energy while developing patience, teamwork, self-expression, and a stronger foundation for making healthy life choices.
A.R.T. for Life began in 2008 as a collaboration between The Arts Center and the Brazos County Juvenile Services Department. Since its creation, nearly 200 young people have participated and helped produce remarkable works of art displayed throughout Brazos County. Approximately 83% of participants have not returned to detention following their involvement—an extraordinary testament to the difference creative expression, mentorship, and community support can make in a young person’s life.
Saturday, July 25
4-6pm
Free and open to the community
A.R.T. for Life is made possible through the generous support of Brazos County, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Brazos County Juvenile Services Department.
