Art For Heart's Sake

By Lizz Kannenberg in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 1, 2008 5:42PM

The brightly-splattered hallways of the Lill Street Art Center host a usual mix of serious-looking art students and cherubic children in summer crafts classes, but a closer look reveals another prominent group of art lovers of a different stripe. The at-risk youth that primarily compose Lill Street’s Artreach program, a nonprofit dedicated to providing art education to disadvantaged groups in the Chicago community, are learning more than just how to throw a pot – they’re learning the art of self-expression.

The therapeutic benefits of art have long been celebrated, but are often out of the reach of the economically and socially disadvantaged people who could arguably use them most. Started in 1989 as the community service-driven arm of Lill Street, one of the Midwest’s largest art facilities, Artreach provides more than 5,000 participants per year with art education, art therapy, workshops, and classes ranging from the art of storytelling to Guatemalan pottery.

“We are making art and expression more available,” Artreach co-director Danny Rock said. “Especially to groups who often lack a voice in our society.”

The programs offered through Artreach are funded primarily by corporate donations, but plenty of individuals and independent businesses also offer financial support because they believe in the nonprofit’s mission to bring art to the disadvantaged.

Clever Betsy, a website selling handmade goods and eco-friendly art objects produced by local artists, donates 3% of its profits to Artreach.

“Our schools are underfunded for art education, and some Chicago public schools don’t even have an art budget at all,” said Clever Betsy founder Elizabeth Ganshirt. “Artreach steps in through volunteer time and donated materials, and they cover that gap and allow kids to express themselves through art. It builds confidence and helps them decide on a career path. ”

Ganshirt is also impressed with Artreach’s commitment to giving the highest quality education to its paying customers and Artreach participants alike. “Lill Street is one of the premier art education facilities in the country,” she said. “They are very progressive in the opportunities they provide to all students. The fact that they funnel the tuition from paid students back into the community is impressive.”