Education Program: Community Youth Outreach Workshops
Our art programs focus on instilling empathy for animals in young adults, a key component of our mission to reduce the neglect and abuse of animals.
Art for Animals' Sake (AFAS) art education programs teach youth about responsible animal guardianship while helping to fill the increasing void in public school arts curriculum. We believe that artistic expression is a unique approach to imparting empathy and awareness for all living things.
To understand animals as individuals and protecting them from harm, that is the ultimate goal of our programs. We intend to instill in youth respect for these sentient creatures. Through creative expression outside traditional curriculum, youth will find confidence and a sense of achievement through our art programs, coming away with a new appreciation for animals.
Youth Art & Empathy Workshops
Our first workshop in January 2012.
In early January 2012, Art for Animals’ Sake presented an art workshop at the offices of Peace For the Streets by Kids from the Streets (PSKS), a Seattle organization providing support to area homeless youth and young adults. With a room full of clients and their canine companions, it was surprisingly tranquil as everyone focused on creating painted portraits of their pets.
Sky with her portrait in progress and the final painting.
Homeless youth and young adults sometimes adopt puppies and kittens to supply surrogate love and a sense of family that is often absent on the street. As our volunteer teacher Meredith remarked, “It was so inspiring to see how people who had just met could come together and form immediate bonds by connecting through art and a shared love of animals."
Aimed at fostering a sense of pride in the creative process, the workshop attendees learned how to use paint and canvas to express the connection with their animal companions. The proof of this unique bond is evident in each of the imaginative portraits.
The second day concluded with a visit from Heather, Niki, and Solomon from Animal Aid & Rescue Foundation (AARF). Solomon, a gentle dog who won over everyone in the room, had recently been the victim of abuse resulting in the amputation of one of his legs. The three representatives from AARF helped facilitate a dialogue about animal health, welfare, and responsible ownership.
We will continue our partnership with PSKS by conducting workshops. Donate to help support our workshops.
Heather, Solomon and Niki from AARF. Solomon is available for adoption through AARF.
AFAS believes that through education we can encourage empathy for all living beings, thereby preventing abusive behavior toward animals. We are dedicated to educating underserved populations about animal health, welfare, compassion, and responsible guardianship. It was evident in this workshop that through art, education, and a desire to learn, we can build a more responsible and empathetic community.
