GRAND RAPIDS — "Here is another way we can see them."
That's what Angie Erickson of North Homes Children and Family Services said about a new exhibit opening featuring multimedia artwork created by youths in the residential programs in Bemidji and Grand Rapids.
The exhibit called "Expressions" opens Friday, April 4, at the MacRostie Art Center in downtown Grand Rapids. MacRostie Art Center Executive Director Katie Marshall joined the KAXE Morning Show along with Erickson, director of outreach and communication for North Homes.
"Art can be a snapshot of wherever you might be," Erickson said. "So kind of that ability to put the present where it is, reflect on the past. But I think it can be really beautiful way to kind of move things forward."
She said she hopes the community will see how multi-dimensional their residents are.
"They're in our residential treatment programs, yes. They need some additional support. But they're our neighbors, they're our friends, they're our kids' friends," Erickson said. "They're these wonderful kids and they're kids first. And here is another way that we can see them."
This project was made possible with by North Homes Children and Family Services, ISD 318 and First Call for Help. "Expressions" will be on display at the MacRostie Art Center through May 30.
Listen to our conversation with Katie Marshall and Angie Erickson above, and find a full list of First Friday Art Walk locations for April at grandrapidsarts.org.
