Art(Trek) in their F.U.T.U.R.E.?

Art Trek, an annual event held by the Chicago Southland Visual Arts Coalition, marked its sixth anniversary, the youth of F.U.T.U.R.E. traveled through their own imaginations to impress upon canvass, paper and other materials expressions of stories visualizing talent, aspiration and confidence demonstrated by their art.

LaKenndra's art spoke to the confidence she

LaKenndra's Trek - Confident. She drew a perfect reflection of Van Gogh's Starry Nights because she could.

has in herself. In speaking about her art, she was asked about her interpretation of Van Gogh's Starry Nights, which began as sort of a mistake in that she had unintentionally begun to draw it as a reflection in a mirror. But she finished it as a very good reflection, confident that she could draw it in any direction she chose. Her choices, as well as her confidence, did not end with Van Gogh, for she was one of the few with more than one work of art.

For Romelle's piece, it was obvious that Art Trek was not his first experience with artistic expression. His drawing of Betty Boop was a tribute to Ms. Dimples, (a.k.a. Margaret

Romelle, Artist-in-training. Natural ability. Visualized Betty Boop in Ms. Dimples (Margaret Figgures) office. Drew from the head, and the heart.

Figgures). Her office is full of pictures of the cute and curvatious cartoon. Romelle went a step further, by creating a rendition that is an original; Ms. Boop performing a physical exercise routine. Other than her obviously familiar face, this work was created entirely from Romelle's minds eye.

Marcus, as counselor, continues to teach, through words, actions, and art. In his piece, the affinity for African-American pride and sense of nationalism is the theme of his art. He has a strong desire to learn and teach about the history of his people. He credits his older brother with his knowledge of African history, who studied it extensively and imparted much of it to Marcus, along with the desire to teach it to others. Marcus also credits his mom, who held the family together through challenging

Marcus - a passing down of history, tradition and values through art.

circumstances. Marcus' desire to reach youth at F.U.T.U.R.E. is fueled by a strong sense of community, and a desire to see bettr things ahead, as he prepares to further his education and eventually practice business law. His art displays the many travels of an African warrior, a trek he would like to take many along for the ride.

There are many more treks through the imagination of the youth at F.U.T.U.R.E. and the Art Trek program. Many of the works are currently on display in the lobby of F.U.T.U.R.E. Foundation Youth Services. All are invited to see all of the art firsthand, and travel with the artists to worlds and places beyond the miles of the trip to the youth center.

F.U.T.U.R.E. Fact F.U.T.U.R.E. serves approximately 100 low income youths, providing after school activities to youth between the times of 3p.m. to 9p.m., longer than any agency dedicated to serving youth in Ford Heights.

Programs should hire skilled and qualified staff that are experienced in working with school-age children. Programs should also provide attractive compensation and work scheduling packages to retain quality staff.