North Shore Academy of the Arts

(c) Sheri Bestor March 18, 2011

A Note From the Founder Of NSAA 

Fueling creativity is among the many benefits of yoga and Unified Body Method™ classes. It begins with connecting… that of mind, body and breath.  These classes have then proven for me to be a place to make other connections as well… spirit to spirit connections. It’s where I met Karen, the parent advisor of Kids for Kids, a volunteer group of young adults from Homestead High School (HHS) that work together to make a difference for those within or transitioning from the foster care system. The group was founded six years ago by Karen’s daughter, Rachel, when she and a few of her classmates learned of the plight of two local foster children.

So Karen and I connected, sharing the common bond of this class, and learning about each other–me about her involvement in this great cause, and she about my involvement in NSAA.  Together, we created the 3mpower Program.

Once a month on Sundays, the Kids 4 Kids group of leaders from HHS gathers at NSAA to meet with a group of foster youth who travel north from Milwaukee’s inner city. Cooperatively, with NSAA staff, we work in all of the art’s media–exploring, uncovering, discovering–to tell the story of foster care, to empower on three levels: the HHS students, empowered to make a difference in the lives of foster youth; the foster youth, empowered to tell their story; and the public, empowered by knowledge about foster care when they will be invited to attend the final show–a gathering to share creative expression.

It has already been a tremendously rewarding experience, watching these two groups of young spirits from diverse backgrounds connect, working together through the arts.  Sometimes, getting everyone engaged takes creativity, as some of these youth are struggling with basic needs–securing their next meal or a place to sleep at night.  But soon after they enter NSAA’s doors, magic happens, and just for a few hours, there’s a new focus.  Painting, drawing, writing original poetry, creating music, sculpting…together, these young people share the message that learning about differences connects us to how similar we all really are. Connections.

Foster Care Month is in May. Stay tuned to learn when we will present Project 3mpower’s final exhibition.   I imagine if you come, you and your family may be inspired, learning a little more about a group of people who struggle without the same benefits of a close family as we do. But also about how the arts can help close a gap called diversity.  We all have creativity from within, and while expressed in own individual manner, it’s a connection we hold common. No matter what language we speak, the arts are universal.

Also, you might be inspired to try a yoga/Unified Body Method™ class. It’s no doubt, a form of art. It fuels creativity. And You never know what kind of connections you’ll make.

( More on classes…… )