52 Central Florida Lifestyle | September 2019
Fostering
Creativity for Kids
ArtReach Orlando cultivates social and
emotional development for local children
through the healing process of art.
ArtReach Orlando was founded by Bickley Wilson in 2012 as a way
to enrich the lives of today’s youth through the arts. Her vision was
to create a safe environment for underprivileged children, where
they could discover their creativity and build their self-esteem.
“It was literally a dream,” Wilson says of the beginning stages of founding
the program.
One night, Wilson dreamt she bought a house that she would turn into
an art studio. Throughout the course of the dream, the house was opened up
to children so they could explore their creative sides.
“The only rules were that you couldn’t paint on each other and you
couldn’t paint on the walls,” she remembers of that dream. A few years later,
with the help of friends and family, she turned it into a reality and ArtReach
Orlando was born.
The organization’s very first program was a week-long summer camp
that was developed for the Bithlo area. It has since grown to reach children
all over Central Florida. Other programs that encourage local children to
discover their worth and chase their dreams were created in partnership with
the help of local entities. This includes an in-school residency at Orange
County Academy (OCA) in Bithlo, literary-based initiatives through the
Orange County Public Library and an afterschool program called Creative
U: Arts for Empowerment through the Orlando REP. In addition, mobile
outreach programs bring ArtReach Orlando’s vision to local events.
Many children participating in these programs come from difficult
economic and social backgrounds, but the creative process teaches them
new coping mechanisms and builds their self-worth. By fostering creativity,
Wilson and her team create a safe space for children to share feelings and
learn how to take on life’s challenges. Wilson says the programs teach children
that, “If somebody says something that you don’t understand, instead
of criticizing, turn to wonder.”
Programs like the one at OCA typically last for nine weeks. Participants
meet for two hours, twice per week. During that time, the children
have an opportunity to learn about visual arts, theater and creative writing.
It culminates into a final “share-formance” in front of their family, teachers
and new friends. The new sense of self-confidence they built through those
nine weeks make them excited to share their creations with their loved ones.
“I’ve had children at the end of a program cry because it was over and
that just totally touched my heart,” Wilson says. If there is one thing she
would say to any past, present or future students it would be “that your
dreams can come true.”
ArtReach Orlando is a private, not-for-profit organization serving the
Central Florida community. To learn more about how you can help, visit
www.ArtReachOrlando.org.
+ YOUR Local
By Christie Fogarty
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARTREACH ORLANDO
The Arts in Wondercamp program is
available during spring break and summer.
/www.ArtReachOrlando.org