RE-create Art Studio wins a Spirit of Hope Award
RE-create Art Studio was a grateful recipient of a Spirit of Hope Award (youth category) at the St. Joe’s Foundation Mental Health Morning on Thursday, October 10 at Michelangelo’s’ Banquet Hall. Hundreds of people gathered in the early morning to celebrate organizations and individuals who have overcome mental health or addiction challenges, or made impactful contributions to these fields.
About RE-create Studio – a safe space downtown for marginalized youth
RE-create Studio is an open and free art studio and outreach program for vulnerable Hamilton youth between the ages of 16 – 24. Located downtown, in an arts and culture hub called the Gasworks, RE-create is a safe and welcoming space that provides a community for youth facing barriers. These youth are navigating the real challenges of poverty, mental health issues, homelessness, low socioeconomic status or family conflict.
RE–create was founded because art-making activities make a difference. Art helps express emotion, and is proven to relieve stress, decrease mental health symptoms and promote self-esteem while helping develop skills that are essential to one’s well-being. RE–create works together with youth to host art exhibits, maker’s markets and field trips. These youth-led activities continue to build our momentum of empowering youth, encouraging their individual growth and building healthy relationships. Above all, RE-create provides a safe space for youth where they can be seen as valued community members and develop life skills through the arts.
RE-create was founded was 21 years ago, by Betty Brouwer, the Artistic Director of RE-create and Director of Attachment Services at Shalem. The idea for an open arts studio for marginalized youth grew out of Betty’s work and her training as an art therapist.
Today, nearly 200 youth a year attend its workshops and studio times. Two facilitators run the day-to-day operations with the support of 16 volunteers. They have hosted hundreds of special workshops, art exhibits within the city and at galleries around the city. RE-create has provided marginalized youth who often face challenging life situations a healthy and strong community, a core element to strong and resilient mental health.
Shalem would like to recognize Betty, Marie and Emma for their leadership and dedication to RE-create Art Studio. This team is an important thread of the Hamilton youth and arts community. Congratulations to the team!