Local Students Create Art Depicting 'What Every Child Needs'
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 26, 2018) — During an annual strategic planning event, staff at the University of Kentucky Center on Trauma and Children discussed ways to raise awareness of and sensitivity to child trauma, and make a contribution to their community. Because the team that makes up the center are all art lovers they decided an "artist reflection" would be the way they would engage the community through local elementary, middle and high school students.
Student artists were asked to depict their interpretation of “what every child needs.” Almost 40 pieces of art have been submitted by students from Sayre School and the School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCAPA) and will be displayed in the show.
"People who might not know us might think of this as a heavy place to work but this place is full of hope, healing and great art," said Megan Kohler, a clinician at the center who has been co-leading the group planning the show and reception. "What they don't see is the strength and recovery that happens here. Kids remind us every day how resilient they are."
The pieces submitted for the show will be judged by local artists and awards will be given to the top three pieces in each of the age categories. After the show, the pieces will become part of the permanent collection at the center and will be on display for all visitors to the center to enjoy
"Too often we don't listen to the wisdom of children and we wanted to provide an opportunity for children to use their voices through art to express what they think all children need," said Ginny Sprang, executive director of the center.
The artist reflection is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 27 at 3470 Blazer Parkway Suite 100, Lexington and is free and is open to the public. If you'd like to attend you can learn more here.
The University of Kentucky Center on Trauma and Children (CTAC) is part of the UK College of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and is dedicated to the enhancement of the health and well-being of children and their families through research, practice, policy and the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based approaches to address child abuse and trauma.
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