Young people are always looking for a way to amplify their voice. Later this summer, Living Rock’s Arts of August Showcase is one way youth ages 13 to 25 can use art as a vessel to share their story.
Since 2003, Living Rock has hosted this showcase to spotlight the incredible talents of young people, and this event is sponsored in part by the City of Hamilton. This is an opportunity for youth to submit their work in the form of paintings, photography, music and poetry.
Often, youth just need a platform to put their work out there, and Arts of August is a city-wide youth initiative where they can share their life’s journey through their art. It all ties into the theme of peace, love, equality and culture, four pillar values that have always been integral at Living Rock.
“It’s another creative expression, an outlet for youth,” said Jennifer deVries, Executive Director at Living Rock Youth Ministries. “That’s always been an important part of addictions and recovery, and art is such an important activity. Anytime you can give youth a voice, an outlet where you become a champion of their work is really important.”
Now until August 9, youth can submit their work, either online or in-person at Living Rock, to be put on display at the showcase happening on Thursday August 22 at The Gas Works from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The public is welcome to attend this free exhibition, see all the artwork and submit comment cards on their favourite pieces.
At the end of the night, celebrity judges will announce the awards, but every submission will receive a prize and a certificate. It’s less of a competition and more of a platform to be seen and to be heard. All are welcome to try their hand at painting, photography, poetry and music.
“What I love about this is your ability doesn’t matter, everybody can contribute,” deVries said. “It produces some exceptional quality pieces, but everybody also has an opportunity.”
Even if youth don’t have the space or the resources to work on their craft, Living Rock offers drop-in art programs throughout the summer for young people to create their own works of art. And with pop-up Art in the Park events also happening, it's just another way to encourage local youth to tap into their creativity.
In order to fund this incredible event, Living Rock is asking the Hamilton community for prize donations for the Arts of August showcase, as well as any monetary support. It’s a great opportunity to show your support for a grassroots movement which puts young people’s work in the spotlight.
Many of these kids use art as a creative outlet, it can be therapeutic as well. Expressing feelings can be difficult, but through painting, photography, music, or the written word, art can be the medium to amplify their voice.
“We know that voice matters and that outlet is so important,” deVries said. “Any time you can positively give youth feedback, it really matters. This event just lends itself to that. It’s an extension of yourself to be seen, and that’s really important, too.”
The deadline for submissions for Arts of August is August 9, and the youth showcase is scheduled for August 22 at The Gas Works. To learn more about this city-wide art initiative, visit LivingRock.ca.
