Project Jericho youth and families spent a lot of 2007 doing art – and just as much of it giving back to their community. You’ll see that as a theme in this edition of our newsletter – we are happy that Project Jericho provides an outlet for participants to grow and learn about themselves, and that this often leads to learning they can play a big part in helping others.

Twenty-one local youth participated in holiday watercolor card workshops December 11 - 12 at the Clark State Performing Arts Center. Youth were led by artist Kristi Limes in the creation of beautiful cards depicting snowflakes. Once complete, the watercolor cards were filled with poetry created by Project Jericho youth in the Clark County Detention Facility with the “Inside the Walls, Outside the Box” program. Participants learned about watercolor techniques and also about the importance of giving back to their community: all of the cards created in the two-day workshop (over 60 total cards) were given to residents at Mercy St. John’s, a hospice center in Springfield. Youth hand-delivered the cards on December 17, while caroling to the residents at Mercy St. John’s.

Clark County Juvenile Court and Detention staff gathered in the large courtroom on December 18 for a different sort of courtroom drama – a celebration of art and giving. Youth in detention worked with Beth Peace knitting hats for the needy. The three month endeavor taught youth how to knit without using knitting needles, and gave them a self-soothing activity during their evening rec hours. More importantly, it taught youth the power of giving, and many of them made the effort to be there on the 18th to present their handmade hats to the Department of Job and Family Services.

The Art of Giving Presentation also showcased art created by both detained youth and youth participating in the BOYAC Program, under the direction of Kristi Limes. The courtroom became an art gallery to 15 watercolor paintings that focused on “Home”. The goal was twofold, first to explore those qualities and values that make a home ‘Home’. They also created a visual gift of pride for the families that will live in the homes the boys help construct. The artwork was presented to Habitat for Humanity, and the family that is working with the BOYAC boys in building their home. This artwork is now on display at the Sarah T. Landess Technology Center at Clark State’s Leffel Lane Campus – check it out!

The Art of Giving Presentation was inspired by Fred Thomas, Director of Detention who hopes to utilize the Project Jericho program to teach detained youth how to improve their community.

On Thursday, December 13, Project Jericho held its most well-attended Holiday Party yet – over 150 youth and families attended the two-hour event, held at Springfield’s Un Mundo Cafe. Each attendee “paid” one canned item to attend, and after the night’s finish Project Jericho was able to donate three large boxes of canned goods to local food pantries! Activities at the party included a hot chocolate tasting, decorating ornaments and singing karaoke. Participants also received a gift of an art supply or family game that they could use to further what they’d learned from Project Jericho, at home. . It was a blast!

Don’t forget to join us for our annual Christmas celebration! Call Scott or Sarah for more info…. 328-3869

On Friday November 30th, Project Jericho gave the youth in our community the chance to show off their Rhythm And Poetry skills with a one of a kind RAP session held within the walls of the Clark State Performing Arts Center Turner Studio.

Professional musicians Michael Kelsey, Joshua Harris, and Maurice Harris gave the kids a demonstration of all the skills that can be mastered from beat boxing, free style writing and rapping, vocal percussion, and how the melody ties into it all. They also showed the youth how to deliver their raps to make it sound good for a crowd. The beats poured from the artists’ mouths and instruments, while participants eyes opened wide with excitement wondering how it was possible for anyone to make such noises and imitations with only their mouths. Many did not realize that they were also capable of creating this type of artistry… until it was time to give it a try.

As the night went on, the youth started experimenting with all the possibilities and began free-styling on their own with no help by the artists! The youth put forth an amazing effort as the talent flowed out of them, as if they were already experienced in rap battles! As the words jumped off one performers tongue, another person was beat boxing and mouth drumming, while in the rare quiet moments Josh Harris occasionally jumped in to free-style, and Maurice Harris to beat box, while Michael Kelsey kept a melody with his amazing guitar skills to hold the beat strong. It was quite an atmosphere.

The youth sang about all of life’s experiences, including relationships, Thanksgiving and more. The fluid words sliding off their lips and into the mic filled the room with an uncanny energy, as if the youths emotions were only evident through music.

Art changes lives-a statement proved by a project like this one. The participants attitudes towards life and those around them have changed, and now they can even stand up in front of a crowd of peers and perform, and receive applause!

These ladies and gentlemen are TALENTED! It’s hard to believe that none of them are signed as professionals! The rhythms and lyrics sounded experienced as if these kids have journeyed through the depths of their own anguish and found an escape into friendship and true openness, a chance to be happy and have fun with others around them. Many found an art form that allowed them to accept who they are in others eyes as well as who they are within their own eyes, which is a wonderful thing. These kids are stepping out of their shells and creating artwork that is the blossoming of their souls.

By Project Jericho Journalist Lindsay Baker

The Clark State Performing Arts Center will present A Christmas Carol Sunday, December 9, 2007 at 3pm!