Proceeds will fund supplies to continue outreach with future programs
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
This three-by-four-foot fish painting on a large wooden panel was done by a group of children aged 6 to 16 at Regency Community Park. It is priced at $395.
A longtime artist and educator, Michelle Dirks has seen her share of talent over the years, yet she said she continues to be amazed by the innovative artwork created by Coatesville area youth.
“I’m sometimes in total disbelief,” said Dirks, who runs Art of Hope, an art advocacy program that has worked with the 21st Century Lights On After School Program, the Regency Park Apartments, and the Coatesville Youth Initiative. “The talent is unbelievable.”
Some of that creative flair will be displayed Saturday at Salus Chiropractic Family Wellness Studio, 3496 E. Lincoln Hwy, Thorndale, from noon to 4 p.m. Dirks said the work represents the artistic efforts of more than 150 children, who collaborated on a variety of projects, including murals.
Dirks said the art, some of which was turned into cards and laminated prints for affordable gifts, will all be for sale. The proceeds will fund of much-needed supplies for art programs. The prints are priced from $35 to $40, she said.
“Art cures so much,” Dirks said. “It’s my passion.” She said she acts merely as a facilitator, occasionally instructing the kids on techniques such as how to enlarge their work for a mural. Then the kids take it from there. “I’m absolutely astounded by the results,” she said.
