What do a house, an emu, a numbered cake, and a suitcase soul all have in common?
They all made an appearance at MARE’s 4th Annual Fostering Creativity Art Showcase!
On Saturday, October 25th, the New Art Center in Newton, MA was abuzz with excited chatter as community members came together to admire and celebrate the artwork and the artists behind this year’s imaginative submissions. The showcase featured submissions from nine talented youth artists, two of whom live out of state. Guests also enjoyed an arts and crafts table sponsored by The Neighborhood’s Crochet Cluster, and an engaging youth artist panel held both in-person and virtually.
Fostering Creativity is one of MARE’s annual events that puts the voices and visions of youth with lived experience in foster care front and center, using the power of art to challenge stereotypes and spark important conversations about foster care and adoption. The showcase event is a celebration of their creativity and an opportunity for the community to connect directly with MARE’s mission.
The audience reflected a vibrant cross-section of our community with participation from MARE board members, Neighborhood volunteers, passionate supporters, families interested in beginning the adoption process, and several first-time attendees who were eager to learn more about MARE’s work. The sense of community created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that had everyone engaged in meaningful conversation.
In addition to viewing the artwork, attendees were invited to write personal notes to the artists and chat with those who were present to gain a deeper insight into their creations. The highlight of the afternoon was the youth artist panel, where audience members heard directly from the artists about the inspiration behind their pieces, their dreams and aspirations, the impact of art in their lives, and how the community can better support young people in foster care.
Photos courtesy of Donna Joseph
"I leaned on a lot of people when I was in foster care. You know the saying it takes a village to raise a child? It took quite literally a village to raise me," Chelsea, one of the featured artists, reflected.
"You have adoption workers, case workers, and then you have your neighborhood, and your foster parents. So I'd say that having a community helps. You feel like an outsider in foster care because you didn't grow up the way other kids grew up."
Fostering Creativity was truly a night to remember, and it would not have been possible without the brilliant minds and hearts of those who submitted their poems, drawings, and paintings. A huge thank you to the New Art Center for hosting us, and the Massachusetts Court Improvement Program for helping sponsor this event.
If you would like to check out this year’s submissions, take a tour of the virtual art gallery.
Video courtesy of Jonathan Cabot
Three of the nine artists were selected as featured artists, allowing their art to be created into merch. By purchasing merch from our Fostering Creativity line, you're helping to uplift youth voices and support MARE's mission to find permanent, loving, families for children and teens in foster care.
View and purchase their items here.
