GREAT FALLS — The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art offers an after-school program called the Curative Art Collective for young adults aged 15-18. It is free and open to all high school students.
Every Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. students meet to sit down for a meal, work on their craft, and create an environment for open conversation about art.
“It’s pretty therapeutic, I enjoy it. It’s nice to sit down and be able to get tuned in to that. Everyone is talking about COVID and it affects all of us because you don’t get to socialize as much as you like. So being able to be have mature conversation, it’s refreshing. It’s nice to be be with people that are just the same but different,” said student artist Sierra Lane.
Students have the opportunity to receive guidance from artists currently working in the industry.
Paris Gibson Square director Sarah Justice explained, “I saw a need in Great Falls when I came here as the education director. I wanted to run a program for teenagers. A place where they can have an artistic outlet that’s safe, consistent, and provides art supplies. You don’t have to profess to be a good artist, you just come and explore.”
The goal of the group is to help young artists find their authentic voice - like Kaden Hill: “As a teenager it’s really easy to feel alone or like you don’t have friends. Especially in today's climate with social media. So it basically lets you kind of unite with like-minded individuals that you could have a good time with.”
The program is partially funded by The Montana Arts Council and The Paris Gibson Square Museum of art. All visual mediums, music, and literary artists are welcome. Click here for more information. You can also call 406-727-8255 (ext 308), or email sarah@the-square.org.
