San Rafael Youth Art Project Aims To Promote Social Justice

SAN RAFAEL, CA — A San Rafael group that promotes young artists has launched a program for those who believe in raising awareness about equity and social justice.

Participants in the Youth in Arts’ C Street: Untitled summer mentorship program will work with artist Orin Carpenter to create a collaborative public artwork to be placed in San Rafael’s Terra Linda community.

The five-week project is for emerging high school artists.

The program will include a specific focus on racism and inequality in Marin.

“C Street: Untitled aims to amplify the power in young artists to make important change happen in their communities,” Executive Director Kristen Jacobson said in a statement.

The program is open to up to 10 artists in Marin County, aged 13 to 18.

“Our goal is for young artists in this program to explore creative expression, engage in critical conversations, and create impactful artworks to share with the world,” Program Director Kelsey Rieger said in a statement.

Participants will be required to commit to the full program, which runs from June 28 to August 4 at the YIA studio. The programming hours will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Artists will be given a stipend for their work.

Applications are available online and are due June 18.

Carpenter is a professional artist as well as visual and performing arts director at Marin Catholic High School in Kentfield.

“Being an artist of color (AOC), I have the power to bring others into the world I experience through the lens of my creations. I have the power to educate, elevate, and challenge anyone who encounters my works of art,” Carpenter wrote on his website.

“Allowing everyone to see the world through my eyes and hopefully change their perception with a new vision and offer them the opportunity to share in the journey… my journey.”

C Street: Untitled is part of Youth in Arts’ Intensive Art Mentorship (I AM) programs.

One of the most popular programs is ´Til Dawn, the award-winning a cappella ensemble.

The advanced music program celebrates the value of the arts, encourages positive messages about meaningful social issues and inspires children and adults of all ages.

Like ‘Til Dawn, Youth in Arts aims to make in-depth mentorship from professionals in their field available to emerging visual artists from all backgrounds and abilities.

Youth in Arts and the YIA Gallery and studio are located at 917 C St., San Rafael, between 3rd and 4th streets. Youth in Arts is an arts education nonprofit that has served more than a million children since it was founded. This year marks our 50th anniversary.

Youth in Arts provides innovative, sequential learning programs designed to support creativity, confidence and compassion in all learners.

For more information visit here.

To apply for this program visit here.