On December 15, 2021, Boys & Girls Club presented the 2021 Youth Arts Initiative Winter Showcase for dance and culinary arts live for parents, Club members and staff.
Over the past few months, youth have learned how about heritage and culture by celebrating events like Juneteenth, Pride and Hispanic Heritage Month. Youth learned about Diwali – a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. The dancers choreographed a dance inspired by Diwali. They also created a dance inspired by the Latino heritage, “Baila, Baila, Baila.”
The culinary artists meet weekly and learn how to prepare different foods inspired by heritage, culture and the holidays. They baked hot cocoa cupcakes for the audience on Wednesday with homemade candies and chocolates on top!
The visual artists have learned about sustainability in art and have used recycled materials to create sculpture and artwork. They made clay during Hispanic Heritage Month and painted their sculptures with colors and patterns inspired by the Latino culture. They learned about Kwaanza and made kinaras to celebrate African American heritage in the United States.
Fashion artists made plarn – yarn stripped from plastic bags – and wove projects with the plarn. They also learned to sew stuffed animals, and they made fleece blankets for family members.
Our youth at the Southside Club participated in a lyricism and spoken word project with artist Terrell X. They were unable to record final pieces, due to weather complications. This project will be recorded and available in mid January.
As you can see, our youth have been very busy in the arts. It is our goal at the Boys & Girls Club to do whatever it takes to give our youth creative opportunities to have a voice in our community.
Below, please take some time to watch the video presentation of Boys & Girls Club’s Youth Arts Initiative Winter Showcase, including our on-stage performance and 185 pieces of visual art.
Congratulations to our many amazing youth artists!
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
