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Let the Sunshine Come Through

By Denise Tyler, 14

Last fall, teens in our Dreams Sculptures program at Atlas used found and recycled objects to craft mixed media sculptures reflecting who they are. Denise channeled her past experiences with depression into her art, then shared that process below.

The very first time I was introduced to ART 180, I was in a very bad place in my life. I was extremely insecure and severely depressed. Never in my life would I have imagined that art would change my life for the better, let alone that my sculpture would help me heal somewhat emotionally and become so amazing!

At the beginning, I really didn’t put much thought into my piece until the last second.

Now I realize it shows so much about me and what I have been through in my life so far.

I love bright yellow. It’s my favorite color. It wraps around the sides of my piece and represents the love that I have for myself. When you start loving yourself, you start getting more confident and becoming happier—brighter on the inside.

The rough black fabric on the right side of my sculpture represents what I went through to get to my “bright yellow” place. It captures all of the depression, all of the isolation, and the hurt I once felt.

I was also really sensitive to a lot of things and that is what the egg I painted metallic gray and its glass holder stands for—because we all know how easily breakable both are.

I had to learn how to love myself all over again and no one could help me with that but ME!

I am still dealing with these things to this day, and that is okay because I have learned that there is always sunshine at the end of the storm. If you just keep that mindset, the clouds will eventually move aside and let the sunshine come through.

            
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We Believe in Young People

Each young person is a valuable part of our community. We promise to offer a supportive and nurturing environment, which allows our young people an opportunity to bring into being the beauty that exists within their creative spirits.

We Believe in Creative Expression

Everyone will be free to be an artist who can give birth to a masterpiece, because we recognize that innovation is the heartbeat of growth.

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We seek to provoke ideas and stimulate conversation that encourages self-awareness and expression of diverse perspectives, remove barriers of fear, create a better understanding of humanity, and illuminate hope.

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We advocate kindness to heal division and resolve conflicts, because everyone has a right to be heard, to experience love, and to be treated with dignity and mutual respect.

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We value the importance of collaborative relationships, which celebrate diversity. We recognize that by sharing together we're capable of making even greater creative contributions that can enhance the well-being and quality of life for the whole.

We Believe in Change

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.

“Young people turning lives and communities around through art”

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Richmond, VA 23220

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“Young people turning lives and communities around through art”

Art 180 20th Anniversary