Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.”
The grown ups of Cowichan South Arts Guild help children and youth of all ages in the community harness their creativity through their Inspire Youth Arts program. Studies show that the arts promote creativity and encourage neural connections while developing self expression and building healthy self esteem and relationships. CSAG president Jennie Stevens, who is also the coordinator of their IYA program, said the guild created the IYA arts tent as a way to provide art activities and keep youngsters engaged, and entertained at community events such as Cobble Hill’s Music in the Park series.
“It has since been very successful,” said Stevens.. “We have anywhere from 60 to 80 kids that come through that art tent every Thursday night in the summer. We set up open-ended activities for both kids and their families who come out, and we provide all the materials for free through the arts guild. Whatever they create, they get to take home with them.”
“Opportunities to engage in the arts helps us to find & express the truth of who we really are.”
Our Sponsors
Cowichan South Arts Guild acknowledges that we gather together to live, learn & create on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples. We give thanks, and recognize with appreciation, the cultures that have come before us.
