Art Expression Inc.

The mission of Art Expression is to facilitate positive socialization through expressive art activities and provide academic enrichment in an inclusive educational environment.

Art Expression, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization that was founded by James and Angela Lowden in 2001 as an expression of their passion for alleviating the social inequalities that exist among children of different abilities and backgrounds. It is a fully inclusive after-school program, offered free of charge to students, that focuses on developing the social skills of children through art in the Pittsburgh area. Art therapy is not performed during the sessions, but some of the components of art therapy are used to develop positive outcomes for students.

The goals of Art Expression Inc. are as follows:
* Increase self-esteem, creative self-expression and independence through art-making and discussion
* Enhance social and anti-bullying skills
* Students learn to respect personal space, share materials and positively communicate with each other
* Students develop greater coping and resiliency skills to help them manage bullying
* Improve problem-solving skills and frustration tolerance
* Reinforce academic core standards
* Students will strengthen basic academic concepts within an artistic context
* Increase leadership skills

Art Expression, Inc. offers a variety of programming to school districts, homeless shelters and community organizations. Programs are taught using masters-degreed art therapists as art facilitators in conjunction with school district or community program staff.

Creative pARTners (1X/WEEK, 6 WEEKS)
Creative pARTners is the basic Art Expression program and can be tailored to each individual group.

From the HeART (1X/WEEK, 6 WEEKS)
From the HeART provides specialty programs to meet the needs of children and families in homeless shelter settings and for those who are part of military families. From the HeART allows Art Expression to create a program or workshop based on the special needs of families experiencing homelessness or military families.

STEAM PROGRAMS

ARTchitecture: Building Bridges (1X/WEEK, 8 WEEKS)
ARTchitecture: Building Bridges participants explore ideas related to building bridges and metaphorically connecting with the others in the groups. Students will learn the components of bridge building and architecture. Engineering concepts and simple mathematical equations are taken into account to create a strong bridge.

ARTmosphere: Weather (1X/WEEK, 8 WEEKS)
Each component of the session includes hands-on art activities and science, technology, math, and/or social studies instruction. Curriculum topics include: temperature, heat index, humidity; barometric pressure, clouds, wind and wind strength, the science of precipitation; severe storm systems, and the impact of weather on one's emotional climate. The program concludes with atmospheric optics, such as rainbows and sunsets.

EcoSmART (1X/WEEK, 6 WEEKS)
EcoSmART teaches K-12 students to apply creative problem-solving skills and innovative design. The weekly, art-based enrichment program aims to promote positive self-esteem and inspire interest in the worlds of science and technology.

StART Growing (1X/WEEK, 6 WEEKS)
StART Growing is a program that creatively integrates science and art in addressing the importance of both self and environmental nurturance. Creating favorable conditions in the environment allows both the individual and the environment to thrive. Likewise, teaching our students the importance of nurturing not only the environment but also themselves reinforces the importance of sustainable practices in both the social and the environmental context.

ARTS in Motion (1X/WEEK, 6 WEEKS)
Art Expression, Inc. and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater have partnered to create an innovative program that combines visual arts, rhythm, movement, and dance. Students are encouraged to work together to explore dance and visual art around a variety of themes. Music is also incorporated into the program with a special workshop focused on drumming.

ARTletic (1X/WEEK, 6 OR 8 WEEKS)
ARTletic allows students to cross-train with art facilitators and physical fitness experts to blend competitive games, sports psychology concepts, and art-making. Participants will create art projects inspired by sports, from goals to obstacles to redesigning trophies. We invite students to widen their social circles as they engage in activities for the athlete and artist within. ARTletic seeks to inspire students to develop positive mind and body habits for life.

Testimonials

"My daughter was only a couple of years into elementary school when she began taking after-school classes through the Art Expression program. Her self-confidence and creativity grew as she continued through the program over the years. I would encourage any parent to give their child the gift of Art Expression."
-Parent of Art Expression Student

"My experience with Art Expression has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life...