Now in its fourth year, Rowan Helping Ministries’ New Tomorrow’s Art Program exhibition is on view at Waterworks Visual Arts Center. This important outreach program uses art to connect with individuals who struggle with homelessness. Through the positive act of creating art, our artists have discovered a new world and come together in a place where they are free to explore and express themselves.
New Tomorrows is offered through Rowan Helping Ministries for shelter guests, to focus on self-esteem and confidence issues, achieved by teaching life skills and providing programs and services for those individuals within our community. Through partnership with RHM, Waterworks served 23 homeless Rowan County adults who met twice a month for two hours of visual art instruction. Students were introduced to a variety of art media including clay, watercolor, pencil, oil pastel and printmaking.
Students created works of art inspired by famous artists, including the “wall drawings” of Sol Lewitt and the work of photographer Jasper James. The program emphasized individual as well as collaborative work and included gallery tours and discussion, with a focus on skill building and self-expression.
Each class period consisted of art fundamentals, covering topics such as the color wheel, warm and cool colors, observational drawing exercises, proportions of the human face and figure, value/shading, and the elements of art and principles of design; art history/art appreciation, an introduction to famous artists and works of art; and art-making, an introduction to the art medium/material and techniques, followed by independent studio work by all students.
The reception to showcase the artistic talents of the New Tomorrows participants is on Tuesday, June 17 from 4:30 until 6 p.m.
For more information, visit www.waterworks.org

WANT TO GO?
• New Tomorrows Exhibition through July 1
• Opening reception: Tuesday, June 17, 4:30 until 6 p.m.
• 123 East Liberty St., Light refreshments; admission is free