Poetography Exhibit

The Nurture the Creative Mind Foundation continues to branch out and create new innovative ways to help youth express themselves. Recently we hosted our very 1st full art exhibit called "Poetography," an exhibit that has a mission to use creative and artistic expression to empower marginalized youth, helping them establish self-value and dignity through the application of poetry and photography. 

Photo Credit: Cat Palmer

Background

Over a 10 week period we conducted 10-1hour poetry workshops that encouraged self expression. None of the students we worked with had any significant formal training in writing poetry other than what they learned in school. In the beginning many were uninterested, but after a few workshops more and more students began to "buy in" to the idea. By the end 85% of the students were still activity participating in the workshops and had submitted multiple poetic pieces. Here is an example of a poem that was written during one of these workshops:

"I am not very smart, but I love to learn. I wonder when I’m going to be smarter. I hear the teacher. I see things. I want to be known for being smart. I am not very smart, but I love to learn. I pretend to be smarter, when I’m really not. I feel the smarticles going in. I worry…will I ever get smarter. I WILL improve my grade. I WILL show everyone what I can do. They WILL know what I am. I am not very smart, but I will be.

  –Tania, age 14, NCM student 2012"

After the students had written their poems we then gathered them and gave their pieces to NCM member and local photographer, Cat Palmer, so that she could take pictures that represented their poems. This process was extremely exciting for the students and was a special privilege for the NCM group. To see the students light up and come to life as they went through the process of discovering themselves, sharing that discovery and then supporting each other as they were supported reaffirmed the impact and need for the NCM Foundation's services. The picture below is the one that was taken by the photographer to represent the poem above:

photo credit: Cat Palmer 

Exhibit 

We decided that it wouldn't be fair to the students or for the community for us not to share this experience and the beauty it produced. That being the case we contacted local Crowley's gallery and asked if they would allow us to host an exhibit opening in their space. After we showed them the poems and pictures and explain the background and vision of the exhibit the owner gladly agreed.

The exhibit will continue to be displayed through May 2012 at Crowley's Gallery in Ogden, Utah. 

If you would or an organization you know of would like to partner with the NCM Foundation to recreate the Poetography exhibit please contact us at 801-710-4238 or amirjackson@NurturetheCreativeMind. Than you

Nurture the youth. Nurture the future. 

UVU Benefit Show for the NCM Foundation

Yesterday's benefit concert at Utah Valley University was quite impressive. It took place in their Grand Ballroom and was packed full of exceptional entertainment by local solo acoustic musical artists as well as full band. The feature for the night was John Allred, a well known singer, song writer musician in Utah County who has recently become a local favorite. John was gracious enough to donate his time to the event in support of youth creativity and education http://www.allredmusic.com/.

The night was certainly a special one, highlighted by the youth representatives that performed at the event on behalf of Nurture the Creative Mind. They without a doubt stole the show. Morgan Thomas, age 17, performed an alternative rock, folk blend that was injected with lyrically moving song writing, while Sade Killpack, age 16, also performing original songs, had the feeling and passion of a reincarnated soul artist of the 50's. The power of both performances were validated by the ooooohs and ahhhhhh's that speckled their performances as well as the many attendees that sought out the students to praise them and asked for their contact information as they were leaving the venue.

Follow these links to hear some samples of these very special students.

Sade Killpack- https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150137390303398&set=vb.212131664403&type=2&theater
Morgan Thomas- https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=253358638033866&set=o.208282272537047&type=2&theater

Even Spanish Fork Channel 17 sent a representative to film the event in consideration of developing a documentary about the Nurture the Creative Mind Foundation.

We are extremely thankful for the support of the UVU campus and specifically the volunteer service office for their recognition and efforts.

Upcoming Event-
Next up for the NCM Foundation is the Wonderful World of Abilities performance this Friday, March 30th. We will be highlighting in a talent show format the the talents and ABILITIES of youth who are vision impaired. This event will take place in the Weber State University Wildcat Theatre and will begin at 6pm.
We would love to see you there.


You can also follow the Nurture the Creative Mind Foundation on facebook www.facebook.com/NurturetheCreativeMind. Here you will be provided with a more full, in-depth, and up to date understanding of the NCM Foundation.

'Blank Page' After School Workshop

(Students attend the blank page workshop)

The past week for the Nurture the Creative Mind Foundation began with an after school workshop for our upcoming street magazine Blank Page. The kids have found their groove, the young students becoming more independent and self-sustaining are starting to run efficiently and effectively.

The next NCM workshop took place at Youth Impact a program that provides youth in the Ogden community a safe place to meet. We are working with a group of 6 girls who are writing a song about empowerment and self respect. a sample of the song is as follows "My name is Dominique. Before you even Speak. You have to recognize you must treat me like a queen. Its Tay-Tay over here. Lets get something clear only positivity in my space or else don't come near."

On Wednesday we conducted our 1st workshop with the YMCA after school program at Mt. Ogden. The kids were extremely attentive, responsive and energetic. We were only scheduled to do one workshop, but this changed after the Director of the program saw and appreciated the impact our methods had on the students. We are now planning an 8 week workshop with the program.

We ending our week as it was started...MAGICALLY! We had the opportunity and blessing to work with a group of 20 students at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind. Honestly I was a bit tentative about this. Uneasy if i would be able to relay the programs message effectively, but thankfully i was proven wrong and in an epic way. These kids were so creative and special. My heart was immediately filled and stolen by them.


- Amir