Youth Spirit Artworks is a new interfaith non-profit organization located in South Berkeley which has developed to empower and transform the lives of homeless and at-risk East Bay youth ages 16-25 through commerical art jobs training, community art making and arts-based organizing for social change.
Description:
Youth Spirit Artworks fulfills its mission through three program areas: 1)arts furniture painting and commercial arts ventures; 2) community building through public art; 3) liberation art/faith based art for social change.
History:
Youth Spirit Artworks is modeled after the very successful youth commercial arts program in New Orleans, YAYA which has received international recognition for the quality of youth art and training. Youth Spirit Artworks organizers are working closely with YAYA staff and former students in developing a program unique to the needs of East Bay youth.