Art Machine powers youth creativity

Young artists throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky can count on Newport-based Art Machine to ensure access to specialized art programs, scholarship opportunities, established artists and creative community projects.
 
Serving kids through their senior years of high school, Art Machine focuses on cultivating creativity at all levels and promoting a wide range of cultures. Art Machine powers projects in its Newport studio, in after-school programs with the YMCA and in neighborhoods. The program serves 13 counties in Northern Kentucky, 10 in Southern Ohio and five in Southeastern Indiana. Projects reach as far south as Lexington.
 
“Art Machine takes a child’s artistic interests and helps them build skills that boost confidence and self-esteem,” says Executive Director Jennifer Baldwin. The non-profit facilitates the Scholastic Art Awards, Architecture by Children, the Betty Brothers Memorial Mudslide Marathon and various art classes and community art projects.
 
One of the higher-profile community art projects is the Newport outdoor mural, created in partnership with Art Works of Cincinnati. The mural is the first one of its kind in Campbell County. Art Machine also works with kids interested in applying to Art Works by providing tips for presenting themselves and their work.
 
Art Machine is also the regional affiliate for the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, an annual nationwide competition for kids in grades seven to 12. To enter the Scholastic Art and Writing competition, students must first submit their work to their regional affiliate. As the only one in the tri-state, Art Machine serves as an important resource for kids who want to take their work to the next level. Winners receive scholarship dollars as well as an expense-paid trip to New York City where their work is exhibited among the best young artists and writers in the country.
 
Art Machine depends on the expertise of professionals, ranging from established artists to art educators to enthusiasts looking to volunteer. “Kids enjoy getting to work with ‘real’ artists,” Baldwin says. “We like to roll up our sleeves and have fun.”
 
Funded entirely through donations from the community, Art Machine is powered by volunteer support.
 
Do Good:

Donate:  $20 will get you a Newport Mural t-shirt; proceeds help pay for this work of community art.

Volunteer:  Help build a child’s artistic vision.

Get on board: Art Machine is looking for board members dedicated to advancing their programs.
 
By Deidra Wiley Necco