Piedmont Arts Offers Art Classes for Court Involved Youth

Museum partners with ANCHOR Commission, 21st Court Service Unit to provide outlet for area youth

Beginning in January, Piedmont Arts will host Stay Anchored Art, a series of art classes for residents of ANCHOR Commission’s Group Home and area youth on probation. 

Youth ages 10 – 17 will take part in the program led by instructors Jessie Ward, president of Lynwood Artists, and Karen Conner of the 21st Court Service Unit.

"Youth arts programs are powerful crime prevention tools,” said Executive Director Heidi Pinkston. “They offer safe, engaging and constructive environments for young people who lack adult supervision during non-school hours, a time when they are most vulnerable to community violence and gang recruitment. Through Stay Anchored Art, Piedmont Arts, ANCHOR Commission and the 21st Court Service Unit hope to show these kids the healing powers of the arts, and help them build skills that will allow them to ‘stay anchored’ in school and in life.”

Founded in 1972 to help troubled youth and keep them in the community, close to their families and support systems, the ANCHOR (A New CHance ORganization) Commission provides outreach services that help youth find motivation for change, make informed decisions and develop effective coping skills for life changes. ANCHOR hopes to impact the lives of its group home residents by exploring the arts as an important outlet for creativity and emotion.

“ANCHOR is excited about the partnership with Piedmont Arts to bring Stay Anchored Art classes to our group home residents,” said ANCHOR Commission Director Ricky Walker. “This will provide the youth with an opportunity to explore creative opportunities and build positive self-esteem in their lives. We are pleased to work with Piedmont Arts and the 21st Court Service Unit to provide this exciting art program. Stay Anchored Art allows youth in our community who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in such a program to be involved and engaged in the arts. This program can open up opportunities to these young people that they might never have realized were possible."

Stay Anchored Art classes will meet Tuesdays, January 7 – February 11, 2020 at Piedmont Arts. For more information, visit PiedmontArts.org.