Kids

“I loved how we could use our very own imagination and let our creativity flow.” – John-Paul (elementary student)

“I like how I get to paint whatever I want – so many things to paint with the prompts they gave us.” – Maya (elementary student)

“I like how you can let your imagination down on paper and have fun with it.” – Ian (elementary student)

“I really enjoyed that each prompt was different, so I ended up with paintings that each had totally different ideas behind them.” – Madeline (elementary student)

“I like the fact that you have freedom to draw whatever you want.” – Ivan (elementary student)

The 8 weeks of this painting class was awesome! I used to draw just for fun, but now I see it as a way to help me express my emotions. It changes be. I used to express my feelings more negatively and it was a struggle. Now I found a way to express my feelings through my art. Thank you for this class. It was been great – I only wish it was longer. – V.L., student, Washington High School

Teachers

Through the creative process and completely without judgment, Brush Fire has helped our students find their voice. This is such a precious gift, especially for young people today. – Dana Wolfenbarger, Community Health Outreach Worker, Galileo Academy of Science and Technology Wellness Program

“Brush Fire is a WONDERFUL place to volunteer. I worked with kids who were in most need of art and healing. The kids were so warm and wonderful. They made me feel like a rock star! I only wish I could give them more.” – Nina, Volunteer teacher, May 2007

The part that stood out to me the most was the potential and creativity of the kids. Considering the difficult backgrounds some of them came from, it was really cool how easy it was to connect with them and the energy they came with. Whether or not they were eager to paint, they were always eager to participate and engage with me. Also, the satisfaction of getting through to some of the kids I worked with who weren’t immediately enthused by the painting was really rewarding. – Francesca, Volunteer teacher, August 2008

ROCK has teamed up with artist, Naomi Rifkin, who knows how to make art alive for our youth. Since Brush Fire started with ROCK, there has been nothing but magic. I honestly did not know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised by the level of attention that the Brush Fire staff give to the kids. It’s very real and personal and what the kids have been able to produce is simply amazing. – Justin Johnson, Program Director for Elementary School Programs, Real Options for City Kids (ROCK)

They really benefited from both the structure, of brainstorming and writing and painting, and the freedom of being able to paint what they want … another thing I noticed when we just sat down casually to paint was that the students were less focused on their art, spent less time on the paintings, and often failed to take them home. The paintings from the workshop, the youth made a point often to come back and get their work. It seemed to me that the structure and the agreements and non-judgmental space allowed the youth to work from a more intimate space and in response they valued the work more highly. – Rachel, after School teacher, Aptos Middle School