Creating Art With North Dallas High School Students!

Investing in after-school programs is a no-brainer and the students at North Dallas High School were ready to roll! Creative after-school and summer programming improves academic performance, but that’s not all. These programs also provide safe spaces, physical activity and social and emotional supports that all add up to a happier, healthier, more productive citizenry.

Many children who attend after-school programs build great relationships and networks for their futures. Many programs spark better school attendance rates, reduce harsh incidents of behavior problems and improves creative and academic performance.

This does include programs that focus on social and emotional development, and academics, yippie!

In Dallas, after school programs are taking off! The Smart Project is one of them. Offering creative sessions and art therapy when needed. We want to help the youth succeed, especially those with a deep hidden passion.

Our very first creative session ran this past October (2019) each Tuesday after-school. Inspired by the 1994 project "The Roof is on Fire" by Suzanne Lacy, eight students created artist trading cards tackling social issues THEY wanted to address. These teens have voices that must be heard! The youth will lead tomorrow and we must support them as much as we can!

It was a great turn out. upon completion the student's received a small portable Sony speaker, a purple backpack to store art goodies, a branded t-shirt, and a cool sketch book. Thank you to all the students who joined or very first Drawing & 2D-Design workshop!