This Fall, 5th graders from the I Have a Dream Foundation-Richmond at Broad Rock Elementary shared their own dreams for the future through our songwriting program led by Maurice Jackson, Josh Scolaro and Qasarah Bey. The Dreamers recorded their song about a week ago at Rainmaker Studios.

We hope you take this day not only to reflect on the struggles and sacrifice of great leaders like Dr. King, but to also think forward about how you can make a positive difference in your own community and your own life. Share your dream and make it a reality.

I Have a Dream (mp3)

(Right click and select “Save link as…” to download the song.)

Ashley and Kianya in the recording studio

“All meaningful and lasting change starts first in your imagination and then works its way out. Imagination is more important than knowledge.” – Albert Einstein

That’s what we do. ART 180 uses the talents of many Richmond painters, crafters, musicians, photographers, writers, and dancers to change the lives of student in Richmond Public Schools by providing the children with the possibility to imagine something different. ART 180 believes that these young people are transformed by the power of self-expression and the ability to communicate their own ideas. Our Program Leaders instruct the local youth on how to produce art with a certain medium, like printmaking or puppetry. Throughout the process, the children are encouraged to use their imagination to convey their own thoughts and emotions through this newly learned medium, and once they have given a voice to their ideas, ART 180 provides the platform for them to be heard. This week, that platform is Open Studio.

We had 14 amazing programs in the fall of 2009 and what the youth have come up with is impressive: dance, prose, photography, and a mixed media tapestry! There are three opportunities (see the schedule below) to see what these kids are saying. Come, listen/see/experience, and see what these kids’ imaginations can teach you.

Tuesday, January 12, at 6 pm
Gallery5 • 200 W. Marshall St. • (804) 644-0005
(in Jackson Ward between Adams & Madison)
Comics by Friends Association for Children
Mural by Henderson Middle School/
Communities In Schools of Richmond
Mixed media tapestry by Southside Boys & Girls Club
Prints by St. Andrew’s School

Wednesday, January 13, at 6 pm
The Robinson Theater • 2903 Q St. • (804) 562-9133
(in Church Hill at 29th Street)
Music by I Have a Dream–Richmond at
Broad Rock Elementary School
Writing by Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School/
Communities In Schools of Richmond
Drumming and dancing by The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club
Theater by Youth Life Foundation of Richmond

Thursday, January 14, at 6 pm
Sacred Heart Center • 1400 Perry St. • (804) 230-4399
(in Manchester between Commerce & Cowardin/Jeff Davis Highway)
Photographs by Boushall Middle School/
Communities In Schools of Richmond
Mixed media quilt by Elkhardt Middle School/
Communities In Schools of Richmond
Puppets by Elkhardt Middle School/
Communities In Schools of Richmond
Sculpture by Southwood Boys & Girls Club

Thanks to everyone who provided the yummy eats!

Drinks are served!

Art projects were in the works that the kid’s craft table.

Imagination soars!

VCU TV/HD's video was shown.

The Plant Zero’s halls were filled with quotes and pictures of the kids in our program.

Even if you didn’t bid on anything, you probably left with something pretty incredible. Not only did everyone receive good karma for supporting ART 180, they also picked up the first issue of Q, a quarterly publication  “dedicated to the wisdom of wondering.” In each issue ART 180 will be talking to people about one of the values that are the life-blood of ART 180. What are those values you might be asking? We believe in children, communication, creative expression, compassion, community and change.

That last one is a big word these days. We heard repeatedly from the most recently elected president how he was going to make changes in our nation and lots of people are making little changes in their daily lives to become more environmentally friendly. These transformations of thought and habit are driven by people who believe their actions are powerful enough to make a difference.

As our website states, “we embrace change as a gift that empowers young people to transform our world through creative expression. It provides opportunities to be passionately engaged in a natural process of learning, challenging complacency and discovering opportunities to live a meaningful life.” Without change, we don’t move ourselves or our community forward.

But, how does change actually happen? What does it take to actually make change? Can art create change? That’s what is addressed in this first issue of Q.

We interviewed six artists and six people who all believe that art can make change. You’ll have to get your hands on a copy of Q to find out what they said.

But, we want to know what you think:

Can art create change?

Send us your artwork, prose, lyrics or scribbles. You can post it here in the comments section of the blog, or if you’d like to send us a picture of your answer email us at 180@art180.org (please put ‘Answer to Change’ in the subject line of the email

As 180 donor Aimme Koch said:

“Art can make change if you make art.”

We can’t wait to see what you’ve got!

You weren’t at Art Karma, but have to have an issue of Q? If you’re already on our mailing list, a copy will arrive in your mailbox sometime soon. Otherwise, contact us to find out how you can subscribe to Q!