RICHMOND, Va. -- A group of Richmond Public Schools students had the opportunity to be paid and mentored by artists from around the world this summer. This experience was part of ART 180’s summer Artist Residency program designed to break barriers and address mental health challenges for Richmond’s youth.
"My found object was paper clips and soda tabs," Richmond Public Schools student Divine Miller said about her newest creation. "I used them to depict Black Americans not being able to break their chains in the past."
Miller added that she was not only proud of the piece but that it also held a deeper meaning for her.
“We are able to break our metaphorical chains and do things that people may not expect us to be able to do," she said.
Miller has spent her summer working to break her own chains.
“I can do anything that people may not tell me I can do,” she said. “No matter who you are, you should be able to fight back against what society may view you as and express yourself as you are."
Miller's renaissance occurred during her time with the nonprofit ART 180’s summer Artist Residency, a paid program where local and international artists mentor ten Richmond-area students.
The students receive more than 100 hours of mentorship, are taken on trips, and are provided with a stipend, studio space, and art materials.
"These young students from diverse backgrounds don’t have the money to buy these expensive art supplies," teaching artist Xolani Sivunda said.
The South African artist taught students how to create art using materials around them and emphasized the importance of using art to express life's challenges.
"Art is very healing," Sivunda said. "Remember, some of these students come from different backgrounds. We don’t know what is happening in their homes daily, so some days they come here feeling broken. But when they create art and use colors, they get to heal."
Miller said the artwork has helped her build confidence in both art and life.
She believes that the lessons she's learned and the confidence she's gained will remain with her forever.
"To be able to have your work displayed in an art studio was very special to me," she said.
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