GIVE ART

JOIN US TO Inspire
under-resourced communities through the gift of art.

We strategically partner with organizations
who support ongoing emotional and spiritual growth to facilitate transformative online and in-person creative arts programs.

Expressive Arts is a discipline of helping and healing that uses the arts as its basis for discovery and change. Expressive Arts include: visual, dance, drama, creative writing, film and digital media, and music. 

While some view the arts as elementary or a luxury, we assert their indispensability, serving as a fundamental cornerstone for academic, emotional, mental, and spiritual growth.

Expressive arts are beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, they provide a powerful means of self-expression, allowing individuals to communicate thoughts, emotions, and experiences that may be challenging to convey verbally. Secondly, engaging in expressive arts fosters creativity, encouraging novel ways of thinking and problem-solving. Thirdly, these arts can serve as therapeutic outlets, promoting mental and emotional well-being by aiding in stress reduction, emotional regulation, and the processing of trauma. Additionally, the collaborative nature of many expressive arts activities enhances social connections and interpersonal skills. Overall, the multifaceted benefits of expressive arts contribute to personal growth, improved mental health, and a richer understanding of oneself and others.

ART HAS THE POWER TO CHANGE LIVES

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THE IMPACT OF EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Creativity begins with observation. Listening, watching, wondering and engaging all the senses can be stimulating. Creative people note details and create a library of inspiration by observing the world around them. They are curious and engage with their world to learn. Listening and observation also allows one to be slow to judge.

Celebrate Curiosity 

Dreaming allows us to think of the world beyond ourselves. Research has proved that day dreaming and encouraging imagination can stimulate connections within your brain that help solve problems.

Cultivate Dreams

THE IMPACT OF EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Creative people know that their inner child has a lot to offer them. Playing allows one to forget insecurities, relieve stress and enjoy life. The creation process is just as important as the end product.

Foster Play

THE IMPACT OF EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Creativity builds innovation and allows a person to think about the world and problems from a different perspective. Individuals that generate new ideas can change their communities.

Think Innovatively

THE IMPACT OF EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Numerous individuals feel intimidated by art, thinking they aren't "artists." Expressive Arts urges individuals to shed that limiting label. Engaging in projects, participants often discover they can achieve more than they imagined, changing their self-perception and building confidence.

Change Self-Perception 

THE IMPACT OF EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Expressive Arts allows us to communicate beyond traditional means and express a part of ourselves. We learn about ourselves in the process and communicate that with others through the projects and performances. 

Express Oneself

THE IMPACT OF EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Creativity trains the brain to think in unusual ways. Repetition through artistic skill creates new neural pathways in our brain. Studies show that even though trauma can make our brains work in ways to survive, we can change that. Engaging in repetitive activities can help rewire the brain that controls the nervous system, bringing oxygen and blood flow back to the brain, calming the body and allowing access to higher brain functions.

Develop The Brain

THE IMPACT OF EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Creativity provides a platform for processing life, offering a space for contemplation, meditation, relaxation, and healing. Engaging in creative exercises alleviates stress and promotes positive mental health. Amidst the overwhelming nature of stress and trauma, characterized by intrusive thoughts and sensations, the creation of art in a safe environment can serve as a means to discover alternative coping mechanisms.

Navigate Life's Journey

THE IMPACT OF EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Creative individuals see problems and obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow. The creative process teaches us to preserve and overcome challenges. Overcoming mistakes and accidents in the creative process gives us courage in our own life struggles. 

Overcome Conflict

THE IMPACT OF EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Collaborative art making or working alongside others enables us to forge new friendships, gain insights into others, find inspiration, and foster a sense of connection within our community.

Connect with Others

THE IMPACT OF EXPRESSIVE ARTS

OUR PARTNERS

KIDS ALIVE

GIVE ART

-anita

"being a participant in several of the workshops changed the way I see myself and the the way I see the world around me."

-Jen

"this online workshop inspired me to be brave and jump out and do a creative journaling project with a homeless ministry in my area."

-paul

"i love the variety of workshops and always look forward to what is coming next."

-anita

"THANK YOU FOR STRETCHING ME WAY OUTSIDE OF MY COMFORT ZONE! I NEVER FELT CAPABLE WHEN IT CAME TO ART. THROUGH THESE workshops, I GAINED A LITTLE SKILL and the CONFIDENCE TO TRY. The workshops have been so FUN AND THERAPEUTIC!" 

-jenny

"THank you for giving our girls home in guatemala the opportunity to be creative. it was a great experience for ALL 50 girls!"

-Ivette

"Athentikos as a whole has been a blessing for me. I turned into someone better because God sent me to serve Him at Athentikos."

Facilitate I AM ART art programs in your own community,
on a cultural trip or long-term internship in Guatemala.

BE ART

Give to impact under-resourced communities with the gift of art. 

GIVE ART

Join us in meaningful exploration
at one of our I AM ART
creative workshops,
online or in-person.

MAKE ART

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