Art as a Weekly Practice at our Family Transitional Residence
Each week at Providence House’s East New York residence, residents and their children gather for a creative arts program hosted by ArtStart: a consistent workshop that offers time, space, and structure to explore art as both expression and reflection. Led by an ArtStart teaching artist, the program provides a reliable opportunity to slow down, try something new, and build creative confidence together.
The creative arts program is held weekly and open to residents of all ages, with activities ranging from painting and drawing to crafts and mixed-media projects. Rooted in ArtStart’s approach to creative learning, the workshops emphasize self-expression, emotional wellness, and positive social interaction, helping participants manage stress while expanding their artistic and personal perspectives over time.
“This program gives residents a safe space to relax, express themselves, and connect with others through creativity,” says Shalana Simon, Child Development and Recreation Coordinator at Providence House. This consistency matters, especially for children, who benefit from returning to a familiar, welcoming setting where their ideas are encouraged and valued.
The creative arts program also opens the door to larger conversations about the future of our community and the environments residents want to help shape. ArtStart Teaching Artist Isabel Clarkin often incorporates environmental education into the sessions, blending art with hands-on learning. “I like to incorporate a lot of environmental education into our art projects, giving youth the opportunity to grow plants and plant seeds, connect with nature, and learn more about where they live,” she shares. Through this approach, art becomes a starting point for curiosity, care, and long-term growth—both on and off the page.
Providence House is proud to partner with ArtStart to bring this creative arts program to our residence. As the workshop continues, we look forward to witnessing how residents’ ideas, skills, and confidence grow over time. To learn more about ArtStart’s work, visit art-start.org.
