Art Reach Pics

These pics from ArtReach appeared in todays paper with the following article by Tom Carey:
Some believers take a leap of faith. Those gathering around Meagon Parrish may simply feel the urge to cavort.
Girls dropping by Trinity United Methodist Church, 1701 S. Locke St., can savor free dance instruction from Parrish. Those dropping into the southside house of worship can also strum a
guitar or express themselves artistically.
Kokomo Urban Outreach wants to paint a prettier proverbial picture via its ArtReach program, according to the church’s Rev. Jeff Newton. Outlook on Outreach Newton previously described Kokomo Urban Outreach as a faith-based nonprofit organization that fosters community revitalization through a variety of outreach projects; an interdenominational coalition of churches, faith-based organizations and individuals who have a heart for hometown missions.
He later announced the free ArtReach program — an Outreach extension — as “a variety of free fine art classes to people of all ages, with the goal of cultivating creativity, self-esteem, and self-discipline, especially among those who would not be afforded the opportunity otherwise.”
Connect with classes Newton said three free classes are presently being offered:

• Beginning guitar, 4:30 to 5 p.m.
Mondays, fifth-grade through .
• Beginning jazz dance, 4:30 to 5:15
p.m. Thursdays, s ages 6 to 12.
• Beginning art (pencil drawing), 10
to 10:45 a.m. Saturdays for all ages.
All materials including guitars (although you may bring your own) will be provided.

Classes last six weeks at the church, nestled on the corner of Locke and Wheeler streets. To register, call (765) 461-9618 and ask for Jeff Newton or register online at KokomoUrbanOutreach.org.

Cultivating creativity, self-esteem and self-discipline is an ArtReach goal, Newton said.
He also said the arts can teach people about issues like conflict resolution, and alcohol
abuse awareness, alternatives to , and resistance to peer pressure. “Learning through the arts has significant effects on learning in other domains,” Newton continued, such as
team-building and leadership training, broadening their view of the world and enhancing their understanding.
Piano, vocal, drama, crafts and painting are other avenues which could be explored through ArtReach, which is seeking volunteer instructors.
“I like all kinds of music,” said church neighborhood resident Sandy Marr, who’s in the guitar class taught by Jonathon Newton. She said she’s long wanted to play guitar and appreciates
the chance to learn for free. The instructor said the classes — in which attendants learn guitar basics — also can help improve their self-confidence. Parrish said learning dance, too, can
improve self-confidence and help people overcome shyness they may feel, to “help them feel good about themselves.”