Art is a necessity for everyone. Sometimes, all someone needs is a safe space and a sketchbook. Let’s make that normal. Here is another article on how much art helps the human mind cope. Link at bottom.

Life is already a struggle. Then you have individuals who need to deal with even more horrible situations. It is a difficult thing to not give back the same pain you were given. Pair that with being in your teens, when your environment should be supporting you and helping you grow as your mind expands, your body changes, and your empathy could be maturing.

Even more frustrating is how much art funding keeps getting cut, especially in poorer areas. Art and music are a wonderful tool. In some cases, life saving. Someday we will find a way to have our art products give back to the community. We are adding that to #LifeGoals.

Whether it's art and music therapy or art and music as therapy, it calms traumatized teens…
Studies have shown that participating in music and art can alleviate pain, help people manage stress, promote wellness, enhance memory, improve communications, aide physical rehabilitation, and give people a way to express their feelings.
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Art is "a special way for the kids to get some of the release," says Yoder who teaches at Renaissance Academy. "The more tools you give kids to express themselves, the more equipped they'll be to handle stuff their way."

LINK TO ARTICLE

Thumbnail image: One of the pieces of artwork created by an art therapist with a Renaissance Academy high school student from Baltimore for the school's last "Breaking Frames" exhibit.(Photo: Courtesy of Breaking Frames)