Artsreach Brings Art to Kids In Troubled Neighborhoods

Sasha Stone

Mirror Contributing Writer

   UCLA Extension Artsreach, a community service organization, partnered with the Los Angeles 4-H After School Program, has put together a program of arts and crafts workshops for children in troubled neighborhoods in West and East Los Angeles. 
   The workshops, led by Artsreach artists from Africa, South and North America, are designed for children who are currently enrolled in 4-H classes at Mar Vista Gardens Housing Project in Culver City, Broadway Elementary School in Venice and Dolores Mission School and Estrada Courts Housing Project, both in Boyle Heights. 
   Instructors and coaches have spent time with kids across the Southland to prepare them for showing their works and presenting their performances. All showings are free and open to the public.
   Brian Brophy, a member of the acting troupe Actor's Gang, along with community activist Darline Harris, led the team teaching at the housing projects at Mar Vista Gardens (adjacent to apartments cited by thecity for gang activity) and at Broadway Elementary in Venice. Theculmination of the collaborative effort of the workshops will be performed for friends and neighbors on Tuesday, August 24. 
   In East Los Angeles, African drummer Desire Adomou and Columbian actor Hector Ariztizabel worked with children at the Dolores Mission School and Estrada Courts Housing Project, which has become well-known for its colorful murals. The Thursday workshops will prepare the children for their own public performance on August 26.
   Show details:
   *Mar Vista Gardens Housing Project, 11 AM in the Gymnasium Building, 4901 Marionwood Drive in Culver City. 
   *Broadway Elementary School, 1:30 PM at 1015 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice. 
   *Dolores Mission School, the cafeteria, 170 South Gless Street, Boyle Heights
   *Estrada Courts Housing Project, the Recreation Center, 3132 Estrada Street, Boyle Heights. 
   To verify schedules, call (310)825-9493.