It is apparent every year at Pathways that the arts are powerful channels for learning and expression. Through the Alternative Therapies Program our students are mentored and taught by an amazing array of resident artists who partner with our teachers and therapists to create experiences that open minds, foster creativity, and encourage self-awareness. This results in students who have learned something about their world and themselves. It also yields a bounty of artwork and performance that enriches the whole Pathways community.

 

This year muralist David Cunningham worked with students at Pathways-Crossland Re-Entry to make a sculpture celebrating achievement in honor of the school's 10th anniversary; rap and hip hop artist Jamaal Collier brought a vibrant alternative culture and a bold new way of expression to Northwood and Edgewood. Carien Quiroga helped students and staff create another stunning and self-revelatory mosaic at DuVal Re-entry.   She will be visiting Pathways-Anne Arundel later this spring. Katherine Dilworth will introduce the world of felting to students at Springville as they create a quilt of self-portraits to depict the beauty each person brings to their community.

 

With the benefit of the arts so much in evidence at Pathways, it is no wonder that our annual student art show has become an amazing showcase of emerging talent and self-expression. It is a beautiful way to honor all those, including artists, mentors, social workers, teachers, agency representatives, friends and family, who give their time, energy, and commitment each year so that our students can learn and become self-confident artists of their own lives. It is not to be missed!