The Southwest Voice

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Armed with a generous grant from the Arts Council of Kern, local teachers are volunteering their time to bring art lessons to approximately 50 wards who are committed by the courts to rehabilitation programs at Juvenile Hall.

The art project is a component of the Monday Night Mentors, a team of community volunteers who plan activities, speakers, and lessons designed to help the kids as they  

 learn to make positive changes in their lives.

Charlotte White, local artist and teacher for the past 24 years, spearheads the project. As the recipient of this year’s Beautiful Bakersfield Award and winner of the California Art Education Association, Douc Langur Award, which recognized teachers who have advanced the cause of art education in California, Charlotte is quite committed to the art program with the wards. She has been recruiting other teachers to give lessons such as  pastels, pencil drawing, the impressionists and art trading cards.

Mentor coordinator, Jennifer Webb, had been trying to develop art classes for the kids but supplies are expensive and not included in the tax supported budget. “The Arts Council grant has made our dreams come true. Art encourages creativity and expression, relaxation and pleasure. It provides a little break from the institution” Webb said.  “It is important to teach the children to use their talents in a different way. Every one of these kids are particularly gifted with creativity, they just need to be encouraged.”

 The art series has proven to be very popular with the kids. “Monday night

 art lessons give me something to look forward to…to keep me going through the week.”

exclaims Andrea, a 17 year old female ward.

If you would be interested in becoming a mentor, volunteer art teacher, or have something to share with the kids, please call the Kern County Probation Department Volunteer Services at 868-4165.

Sarah Webb is a program coordinator at Juvenile Hall

868-4165