Seen + Heard

Welcome to “Seen + Heard,” ART 180's blog to bring together the ideas and perspectives of our community -- people who believe in the potential of art to connect and communicate, and in providing opportunities for self-expression to young people who rarely receive them. “Seen + Heard” is a place where we can continue the conversation around the importance of creative development in youth and celebrate their artwork, inspirations, and stories.

For 20 years, we've worked to build a community of young people, artists, parents, volunteers, and supporters who believe in art's ability to transform lives and communities. This blog is another way we can share these voices and ensure that they are heard.

Twenty Years of Encouraging Creativity to Soar 

Over 20 years, ART 180 has worked with thousands of young people inspiring change in their lives, providing them with a platform to express themselves and to expand upon their creativity, and celebrating their creative development through public art that brightens communities across Richmond.

That's right, we’re 20!

This year marks our 20th anniversary, and that’s special because it reminds us what our work provides for so many young people. And in the spirit of our anniversary, we’re sharing a sweet moment between one of our long-time program leaders, Mica Whitney, and one of our participants, Rakeesha Entzminger from Redd Elementary.

This semester at Redd, Rakeesha and 17 of her peers are designing their own board games. This project allows young people to explore new ways to put a spin on the typical board game, basing their games on social topics that matter to them. Rakeesha’s game, called “Run Baby Run,” is a commentary on parenting (yes, we were blown away!). Rakeesha says her game is played “like Monopoly” but instead of moving your pieces around the board over spaces reading “Income Tax” or “Go to Jail,” you’ll see squares like “Change a Diaper.”

Last Thursday, Rakeesha took a break from creating “Run Baby Run” and sat down with Mica to ask each other questions about what art and ART 180 mean to them.

Mica: How long have you been a part of ART 180?
Rakeesha: I’ve been a part of ART 180 for three years.

Rakeesha: What made you want to join ART 180?
Mica: I really love art. I love making art, and I love seeing what children make. I love holding space for children to be creative and to really let their self-expression shine.

Mica: Tell me about what you’ve been creating in ART 180? What is your artwork about?
Rakeesha: So we’re doing a board game. I’m making it with Jurnee and Madison and it’s called “Run Baby Run”. It’s very cool. It’s like a board game similar to Monopoly.

Rakeesha: What do you like most about creating art?
Mica: Hmm… I love getting messy and I love having the art kind of evolve into something unexpected. I like how when sometimes you plan for [what you’re creating] to go one way, and then through the process of creating it looks different from what you expect. It’s like a nice surprise.

[Rakeesha laughs]

Mica: It’s nice to have the freedom to create whatever I want.

Mica: How do you feel when you create art?
Rakeesha: I feel like I’m in a happy place because when you create art you get to be yourself and do your own designs without somebody judging it. If somebody does judge it then you don’t have to worry about it. That’s what makes art cool to me.

Mica: How do you want people to feel when they see your artwork?
Rakeesha: I want people to feel the same way I do…that they don’t have to worry about what other people say. I’m not going to care about what people think about my work because I put a lot of effort into it.

Rakeesha: What do you like most about ART 180?
Mica: I like when it comes time for the BIG Show and all the hard work that you guys put in is celebrated by the whole community. I love seeing when parents and friends and family members come out and everyone is so happy to see and celebrate the work that you’ve been doing. That’s my favorite part.

Mica: What do you like most about ART 180?
Rakeesha: I like that we can be ourselves in here. We’re not going to be judged. We’re seen [for] who we really are. I feel like I’m in a safe and happy place.

Mica: Does art play an important part in your life?
Rakeesha: It can. When I get bored, I get creative and like what you said, when you’re trying to draw a picture and it turns out to be more than what you expect.

Rakeesha: Is there any advice you can give me before my Really BIG Show performance?
Mica: Just relax and have fun!
Rakeesha: I will do that!

You can see Rakeesha, her fellow artists, and their artwork at the BIG Show on April 28!