ART from Ashes Youth Workshops

During the wildfire season of 2007, over 9,000 separate wildfires burned approximately 1.5 million acres in California. Out of this devastation the nonprofit ART from the Ashes (artfromtheashes.org) was created. Believing that art is a catalyst for bringing communities together, Art from the Ashes developed a program to help ease some of the trauma caused by wildfires. ART from the Ashes hosts youth workshops designed to facilitate healing, allowing children to express themselves through art.

ART from the Ashes and the Shasta County Arts Council are partnering to bring this project to the community.

In July and August of 2018, the Carr Fire tore through Shasta and Trinity Counties. This fatal wildfire destroyed 229,651 acres and 1,604 structures. ART from the Ashes volunteers, along with other local volunteers, received permission to salvage items from the fire areas. A few of the materials collected were melted coins, pieces of copper wire and pipes, mattress springs and so on. To some, these may not seem like art components; however, to others, they represent an opportunity to make something beautiful out of something horrific. All materials are deemed safe for use.

Kathryn Henderson, a retired professor from Texas A&M, is spearheading this project with ART from the Ashes. She has had experience leading groups of student volunteers into the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and other natural disasters. Henderson has seen first hand how ART from the Ashes can help communities come together and heal from devastation.

Participating artists from the community will run the youth workshops. Local teachers and local art therapists will donate their time and talent to transform materials salvaged from fire sites into one-of-a-kind works of art. The participating children will be able to make three pieces of art. They will keep one, give one to someone if they choose and put one in the ART from the Ashes: Seeds of Regrowth exhibit in the fall. There are plans to hold adult workshops in the future.

The workshops are free and geared to youth ages 4-17 and their families. The first workshop took place on February 23 at the Old City Hall, followed by a second on March 9 in Redding. Many more workshops will be available this spring and summer. In the fall of 2019, ART from the Ashes: Seeds of Regrowth Exhibition will take place in downtown Redding featuring the artwork from the local workshops. Proceeds are going to support Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and relief efforts by the Shasta Regional Community Foundation.

If you would like more information or would like to volunteer, email afta.st.seeds@gmail.com. You can register your child at eventbrite.com searching under ART from the Ashes.